Golden Ball winner Hoang Duc's decline

When Nguyen Hoang Duc stepped onto the stage to receive the Vietnam Golden Ball award in 2025, many believed this talented midfielder would be the driving force propelling Ninh Binh to soar high in the V-League. However, just a few months after that glory, the player's form has plummeted, mirroring Ninh Binh's "free fall" in their last five matches.

The 1-2 defeat against Hanoi Police not only plungedNinh Binhdeep into crisis but also starkly exposed the alarming decline of their most anticipated player.

This loss marks Ninh Binh's fourth defeat in their last five rounds. This poor streak of 4 losses and 1 draw has causedthe former capital's teamto significantly lag in the race.

After round 16, Ninh Binh has fallen 10 points behind the top team Hanoi Police, even having played one more match than their rival. That gap has almost sealed the end of Ninh Binh's dream of competing for the top spot.

In this bleak picture, the form ofHoang Ducis what worries fans the most.

Given the stature of a Vietnam Golden Ball winner in 2025, he should be the one inspiring and pulling the team through difficulties. But the reality on the pitch for Ninh Binh shows the opposite.

In the first half of the match, Hoang Duc had two fairly clear opportunities but failed to capitalize. His inaccurate shots reflect a rare lack of confidence in a midfielder once famed for his technique and composure.

Not only that, the captain of Ninh Binh alongside Duc Chien was completely overshadowed by Hanoi Police's midfield, where players likeQuang Hai, Thanh Long, or Stefan Mauk played with far more energy and effectiveness.

In Ninh Binh's second conceded goal in this match, Hoang Duc earlier mishandled the ball, leading to Ninh Binh facing a throw-in. Following that play, the visitors scored thanks to Thanh Long's brilliant strike. That moment highlighted the difference between a team in full flow and a collective lacking confidence.

Meanwhile, Ninh Binh had almost no bright spots. Except for Gia Hung's goal in the 87th minute, which came only when the opponent had somewhat eased off, the home team appeared disjointed and lacking attacking ideas.

Both goals conceded by Ninh Binh stemmed from individual errors, starting with center-back Patrick Marcelino's misplaced pass in the 2nd minute allowing Alan to easily open the scoring.

The change in leadership has not yet brought positive effects. After Coach Gerard Castano departed, the team placed trust in Coach Vu Tien Thanh hoping for a new breath of life. However, what unfolded on the pitch showed the opposite. Ninh Binh still lacks organization, lacks dynamism, and especially, their pillar player is declining.

The 10-point gap on the standings clearly reflects the current strength of the two teams. While Hanoi Police is advancing steadily in the championship race, Ninh Binh is struggling to rediscover itself.

For Nguyen Hoang Duc personally, this period is likely his greatest challenge since reaching the pinnacle of fame. The player, who holds three Vietnam Golden Ball awards, faces pressure to maintain his class in every match.

When his form declines, all eyes turn towards him even more. Especially, as the Vietnam national team needs Hoang Duc to quickly return to his peak form to prepare for the upcoming major challenge.

Ninh Binh still has a long journey ahead, but for this team to regain hope, Hoang Duc and his teammates need to swiftly reclaim their own image.