Thanh Hoa, 10 July, 2025 – Dong A Thanh Hoa has officially appointed former assistant coach of the Vietnamese national team, Choi Won Kwon, as their new head coach starting from July 2025. The move signals the club’s ambition to revamp its playing style and regain competitiveness in the upcoming 2025/2026 V.League season.
Following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, Thanh Hoa made the decision to part ways with head coach Tomislav Steinbruckner. In search of a fresh direction, the club successfully approached and convinced Korean tactician Choi Won Kwon to take over the helm. On July 10, the 43-year-old coach arrived in Thanh Hoa to officially begin his new role.
Born in 1981, Choi Won Kwon is well-regarded in Korean football circles, both for his solid playing career and his promising coaching profile. As a former right-back and right midfielder, Choi earned four caps with the South Korean senior national team and 27 with the U23 side. His most notable achievement as a player was reaching the quarterfinals of the 2004 Athens Olympics—a major milestone in Asian football.
At the club level, Choi began his professional career with Anyang LG Cheetahs (now FC Seoul) in the K-League in 2000. He later played for Gwangju Sangmu, Jeju United, Daegu FC, and Kyungju. Known for his tactical intelligence and versatility on the field, Choi seamlessly transitioned into coaching after retirement.
As a head coach, Choi made a strong impression during his tenure at Daegu FC in the K.League 1, where he was particularly praised for building disciplined, cohesive defensive units. His teams were known for their structured organization, mental resilience, and tactical clarity. Experts have described him as a “defensive architect,” capable of transforming young or inexperienced squads into formidable, hard-to-break teams.
Choi’s influence extended beyond club football. At the international level, he served as a trusted assistant to Vietnam national team head coach Kim Sang Sik during the AFF Cup 2024. His contributions to scouting, opponent analysis, and tactical planning played a key role in Vietnam’s triumphant run to the championship. His role mirrored that of Lee Young Jin, who was the long-time right-hand man of former Vietnam head coach Park Hang Seo.
Following Vietnam’s AFF Cup success, Choi returned to South Korea. However, in late June, Thanh Hoa reopened talks and convinced him to return to Vietnam, this time in a club coaching role. His arrival is being viewed as a major boost for Thanh Hoa and a strong indication of the club’s determination to rise in the V.League standings.
The appointment of Choi Won Kwon is more than just a coaching change—it reflects a broader shift in Thanh Hoa’s strategic vision. With his tactical depth, international experience, and proven ability to cultivate discipline and unity, Choi is expected to lead Thanh Hoa into a new era marked by ambition, resilience, and a renewed pursuit of excellence.
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