
Nguyen Cong Phuong, one of Vietnam’s most recognized football talents, has made the decision to return to Vietnam after nearly two years of playing abroad in Japan. This move comes as he joins Binh Phuoc FC in Vietnam’s second division (V-League 2) and is a significant step in his ongoing commitment to contributing to the development of Vietnamese football.
Cong Phuong had a brief but challenging stint in Japan with Yokohama FC, where he struggled for consistent playing time. His return to Vietnam signals a new chapter, with his focus now on supporting Binh Phuoc FC in their quest for promotion to the V-League. He recently shared his thoughts and aspirations about his decision to come back and what he hopes to achieve in this new phase of his career.
Phuong explained that his return to Vietnam was not a random decision, but one motivated by a deep alignment with the vision of Binh Phuoc FC President Pham Huong Son. “I spoke with President Son, and he shared many dreams and ambitions that coincided with mine. Our vision for football in Vietnam matched,” he said. The two discussed the importance of helping Vietnamese players develop by gaining exposure to more competitive football environments abroad, a concept that has been part of Cong Phuong’s mindset for a long time.
Phuong emphasized the need for Vietnamese football to follow in the footsteps of countries like Japan and South Korea, where players are regularly sent to stronger footballing nations to hone their skills. “We’ve seen players from Japan and South Korea go abroad to play in Europe, and they bring that experience back to elevate the level of football in their home countries,” he said. He sees this pathway as crucial to raising the standards of Vietnamese football.
As for his expectations with Binh Phuoc FC, Phuong remains optimistic and determined. “My teammates and I will do everything we can to help Binh Phuoc reach the V-League,” he shared, acknowledging the challenge but believing in the club’s potential. Binh Phuoc FC, under the leadership of President Pham Huong Son, has made considerable investments in infrastructure and youth development, and the addition of a player like Cong Phuong is a statement of their intent.
Cong Phuong also reflected on his time in Japan and what he learned from that experience. While his opportunities on the field were limited, he continued to work hard and maintain his fitness, understanding that football often doesn’t go as planned. “Even though I didn’t get much playing time, I kept training hard and competing for my spot. Football doesn’t always work out the way you want, but I believe with the effort and skills I have, I will make a difference,” he said.
In addition to his role as a player, Phuong is also keen on supporting Binh Phuoc FC’s football academy, drawing from his experiences in Japan’s professional football environment. “I learned a lot from being part of the professional setup in Japan, and I hope to contribute to the development of our young players here. The club is operated by professionals from Japan, so I believe we are on the right track,” he said.
Looking ahead, Phuong remains focused on his club duties but is open to a return to the national team if called upon. “For now, my priority is to contribute to Binh Phuoc FC. If I play well and the national team needs me, I’ll be ready,” he stated.
As the second division in Vietnam sees an increasing number of star players, including Cong Phuong, this trend signals the growing competitiveness and quality of lower-tier leagues in the country. Phuong believes that strong competitions at all levels are essential for the overall growth of Vietnamese football.
With his return, Cong Phuong brings not only his talent but also his vision and commitment to pushing Vietnamese football forward. His presence at Binh Phuoc FC is expected to boost the club’s efforts to achieve promotion and inspire young players within the team’s ranks.
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