Son took a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday for the event. At Tan Son Nhat airport, the Nam Dinh FC striker was recognized by many fans and happily posed for photos, even though he was using crutches to walk.

According to the Vietnamese Golden Ball organizer, Son was nominated for the Best Foreign Player in 2024, for which he will compete with Alan Alexander (Binh Dinh FC) and Hendrio Araujo.

He was not nominated in the men’s category because at the time the list was finalized, the 27-year-old striker was still completing his naturalization process. Son will

After his outstanding performances for the Vietnam national team at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, where he scored 7 goals, and for Nam Dinh FC in the V. League last season, where he scored 31 goals, Son is considered a strong contender for the award.

Son suffered a severe injury, breaking the tibia and fibula in his right leg during the second leg of the ASEAN Cup final against Thailand on Jan. 5. He underwent surgery a day later upon returning to Hanoi with the team. Doctors reported that he is recovering well. He started practicing walking without crutches after the 2025 Lunar New Year but still relies on crutches for daily activities. If his recovery continues as planned, Son is expected to return to training in about six months.

The 2024 Vietnamese Golden Ball gala will be held on Wednesday night at the Ben Thanh Theater in HCMC.