Saudi Arabia, 26 September, 2025 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially unveiled the shortlist for its prestigious 2025 Annual Awards, with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) honored in two important categories.
The AFC Annual Awards represent the highest recognition in Asian football, celebrating organizations, clubs, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions or achieved remarkable success throughout the year. This year’s ceremony, titled AFC Riyadh 2025, will take place on October 16 in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the West Asian nation has hosted the gala.
Ahead of the highly anticipated event, AFC confirmed the final list of nominees across several categories, showcasing some of the continent’s brightest stars and most accomplished organizations. Among them, VFF has secured two significant nominations, affirming Vietnam’s growing presence on the Asian football stage.
In the “Member Association of the Year” category, which highlights federations demonstrating exceptional leadership and activity, VFF has been nominated in the Diamond level – the second-highest tier, just below Platinum. The Vietnamese federation is joined by the Chinese Football Association and the Football Association of Thailand as the three Diamond-level nominees for 2025.
This recognition underscores VFF’s recent efforts in professionalizing league structures, enhancing youth development programs, and elevating the performance of national teams at both regional and continental levels. The past year has seen Vietnam continue to progress across men’s, women’s, and futsal competitions, consolidating its reputation as a rising force in Asian football.
In addition, VFF has also been nominated for the “AFC President’s Recognition Award for Grassroots Football.” This award honors associations that have made significant efforts in promoting community-based football and encouraging widespread participation in the sport. VFF is listed in the Bronze category, alongside the Bangladesh Football Federation and the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association.
The grassroots nomination reflects Vietnam’s commitment to expanding access to football nationwide, with numerous programs aimed at schools, youth clubs, and community centers. Initiatives focused on developing football for children, increasing opportunities for girls, and promoting inclusivity have been key areas of VFF’s strategy, earning acknowledgment from the AFC.
Vietnam’s dual nominations at AFC Riyadh 2025 further highlight the federation’s balanced approach: investing in high-performance football while also ensuring that grassroots development thrives.
The upcoming gala promises to be a significant event for Asian football, with awards spanning men’s and women’s categories, youth development, futsal, refereeing, and coaching. For Vietnam, the recognition is both a source of pride and a motivation to continue striving for excellence at every level of the game.
The winners will be revealed on October 16 in Riyadh, in what is expected to be a glamorous celebration of Asian football’s achievements over the past year.
Richard Koh
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