Ninh Binh, 28 July, 2025 – Do Nguyen Thanh Chung, a talented young midfielder born in Bulgaria in May 2005, has become a major new signing for V.League 1 club Ninh Binh FC. They officially announced his arrival on July 27, 2025, signing him from Slavia Sofia in Bulgaria on a five-year deal worth around €400,000 (about 12 billion VND).
What made this signing extra special was not just the transfer fee but also the way his debut photos were taken. At the photo event, Thanh Chung stood proudly holding his new Ninh Binh jersey, but strikingly, he posed for these photos at the stadium of his former club, Slavia Sofia. He held the new club’s shirt high, yet the surroundings were still home to his old team.
This unusual scene is believed to be uniquely rare in V.League transfer history and possibly even unprecedented in world football. Normally, when players join a new team, official photos are taken at the new club’s home ground or at a neutral venue. This time, it was almost reversed, as Thanh Chung wore his new shirt in the place where he used to play for his old club. The symbolism of this moment is strong, pointing forward to his future in Vietnam while acknowledging his past in Bulgaria. It shows respect for both sides, honoring Slavia Sofia for shaping him and celebrating his new journey with Ninh Binh FC. It is considered the first time in V.League history that a player has held his new club’s shirt at his old stadium for debut photos. Although no global record was found of a similar event elsewhere, such a moment is certainly very rare in world football and may well be the first of its kind.
Thanh Chung’s move is also significant because it marks a homecoming story for a Vietnamese‑heritage player who returns from Europe to play in Vietnam’s top league. While the transfer itself brings fresh energy to Ninh Binh FC, the way it was presented adds a new layer of emotional and historical value to the signing. By choosing his old stadium for the debut photo, he blended new beginnings with old memories, creating a powerful image that will be remembered by fans. It also reflects his respectful attitude toward both his former and new clubs, a gesture that resonates strongly in football culture.
Born on May 23, 2005, in Sofia, Bulgaria, to Vietnamese-born parents, Thanh Chung developed his skills at Slavia Sofia’s youth academy and made his professional debut there. Standing 1.75 m tall and playing as a central midfielder, he is known for his technical ability, stamina, tackling, long passing, and powerful shots from distance. His market value is estimated at €400,000, and his contract with Ninh Binh FC runs until 2030.
In short, Do Nguyen Thanh Chung’s debut photo at his old stadium, wearing the shirt of his new club, may be the first such moment in V.League history and possibly in global football. It is a unique and emotional way to show a new chapter beginning while remembering where he came from, making his move both meaningful and historic.
Kim Chi
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