Former head coach of Vietnam national team Phan Thanh Hung passes away

Coach Phan Thanh Hung, who once led the Vietnam national team and was among the most decorated local coaches in Vietnamese football, died at his home in Da Nang following a prolonged period of illness.

On August 11, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced the sad news of Coach Phan Thanh Hung's passing. The manager, born in 1960, passed away in Da Nang, leaving a profound sense of loss for Vietnamese football in general and Da Nang football in particular.

Notably, just two days before his death, he received special recognition from the VFF. On the morning of August 9, at his private residence in Da Nang, Coach Phan Thanh Hung was awarded the "For the Cause of Vietnamese Football" Commemorative Medal, honoring his long-term contributions to the nation's football development.

Over more than two decades of service in various roles, Coach Phan Thanh Hung left a deep mark at both national team and club levels. He served as an assistant coach for the Vietnam national team from 2008 to 2011, working alongside Coach Henrique Calisto during the campaign to win the AFF Cup 2008. This was a historic tournament as Vietnam claimed their first Southeast Asian championship.

Later, he took charge of the U23 Vietnam team before being appointed as head coach of the national team in 2012.

Before transitioning into coaching, Phan Thanh Hung had a memorable playing career. He played for the Da Nang club from 1980 to 1992 and also represented the Vietnam national team.

At the club level, his most notable period of success was associated with Hanoi. The Da Nang-born manager led the capital city club to two V.League championships and also won the National Super Cup. When he moved to Quang Ninh, he helped that club win the National Cup and the National Super Cup.

Coach Phan Thanh Hung was highly regarded for his calm demeanor, modern football philosophy, and ability to discover and develop young players. In the later years of his career, he frequently returned to support Da Nang football.

In the middle of the 2025/26 season, he left his position as Technical Director of Da Nang Club due to health reasons. Last June, the Han River club also held a tribute ceremony to acknowledge his contributions throughout his journey from player to coach.