Nguyễn Anh Đức: A Vietnamese football legend from the pitch to the coaching bench

Nguyễn Anh Đức – an icon in Vietnamese football, transitioning from a top striker to an emerging coach, consistently demonstrating resilience, passion, and vital input towards the growth of national football.

A professional journey on the football field

Nguyễn Anh Đức was born on October 24, 1985, in Bình Dương. He began his professional football career at Đông Á Bank Club, but his real breakthrough came when he joined Becamex Bình Dương in 2006. Over 13 years with his hometown club, Anh Đức became a key player, scoring over 100 goals and playing a crucial role in winning the V.League 1 titles in 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2015, along with National Cup and Super Cup victories. With his refined technique, precise finishing, and powerful long-range shots, Anh Đức became a nightmare for opposing defenses.

The year 2015 marked the peak of Anh Đức’s career when he was awarded the Vietnamese Golden Ball after helping Becamex Bình Dương secure the double titles of V.League and National Cup. He further proved his talent by winning two Silver Ball awards in 2017 and 2018, along with the V.League 1 top scorer title in 2017, a rare feat for a domestic player in the league’s history.

At the national team level, Anh Đức was an indispensable figure in the 2018 AFF Cup victory under coach Park Hang-seo. He scored 4 goals, including the decisive goal in the second leg of the final at Mỹ Đình Stadium against Malaysia, leading Vietnam to the championship after a decade-long wait. Anh Đức was also the top Vietnamese scorer in that tournament. Additionally, he participated in multiple SEA Games and Asian Games (2006, 2010, 2018).

The transition journey of Nguyễn Anh Đức’s role

After concluding his peak playing years in the V.League, Nguyễn Anh Đức remained connected to football by moving into coaching. Between 2021 and 2022, he played for Long An Club while serving as an assistant coach. Holding an AFC PRO coaching license granted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Anh Đức began his new role as assistant coach for the Vietnam national team under Park Hang-seo in 2022. According to Dân trí newspaper, the Korean coach stated: "I chose Anh Đức because he has extensive experience with the Vietnam national team and can help me better connect with the players. Anh Đức is also studying for the FIFA Pro coaching course and aims to become a professional football coach. That’s why I recommended VFF to call him up to the national team."Anh Đức often stands close to the sidelines, directing and guiding players during friendly matches, demonstrating his tactical knowledge and leadership skills.

In 2023, Anh Đức took on the role of head coach for Long An Club in the First Division. Under his leadership, the team achieved 3rd place, earning a bronze medal, which was an encouraging result. Later, he moved to coach Bình Phước Club, where he continued to showcase his coaching abilities with the goal of promoting the team to the V.League. However, in the 2024-2025 V.League promotion play-off, Bình Phước under Anh Đức was unable to overcome SHB Đà Nẵng.

In May 2025, Anh Đức returned to his old club Becamex Bình Dương as head coach, replacing Nguyễn Công Mạnh. His task was challenging as the club faced the threat of relegation in the 2024-2025 V.League season. With his playing experience and deep knowledge of the club, Anh Đức is expected to stabilize the locker room and help the team overcome difficulties, while aiming for the National Cup title.

A model of determination and success

Beyond his football career, Nguyễn Anh Đức is also known as a prominent businessman in Vietnamese football circles. Besides trading sports goods, Anh Đức has heavily invested in real estate, hotel services, restaurants, and more, with estimated monthly earnings reaching billions of Vietnamese dong. However, in the eyes of his family and fans, Anh Đức remains a humble, approachable person who always dedicates time to his family after work.

Nguyễn Anh Đức’s journey is not only a story of a talented player but also a lesson in perseverance, effort, and passion. From a late-blooming striker to a Vietnamese football legend, Anh Đức has inspired the younger generation with his spirit of overcoming challenges and desire to contribute. In his new role as a coach, Anh Đức is predicted to continue writing new chapters for Vietnamese football, leading Becamex Bình Dương and other teams to greater success domestically and internationally.