Giving up professional dreams, returning to the countryside to find a stable life

From a young man from Quang Ngai, Sinh Bao packed his bags and went to Binh Phuoc province (old) to pursue his dream of becoming a professional football player. But he had to give up because of "money and food".

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Ho Sinh Bao (white shirt) once played for Binh Phuoc Club in the First Division - Photo: QUANG DINH

That is the story of Mr. Ho Sinh Bao (born in 1996), captain of Quang Ngai Trade Union at the final round of Vietnam Workers and Civil Servants Football Tournament 2025. It was the excellence of this midfielder that brought the Central representative to the quarterfinals convincingly with the top position in Group B.

Giving up professional football

Born and raised in Quang Ngai, Ho Sinh Bao soon showed his talent for the round ball. He was a promising young talent, selected for the youth team and then the first team of Binh Phuoc Club (now Truong Tuoi Dong Nai ), playing in the National First Division.

During the 4-5 years wearing the jersey of the Southeast team, Sinh Bao had valuable experiences on his football career path.

However, the path to professional football is not a bed of roses. Competitive pressure, along with a salary that is not enough to cover living expenses and take care of the family, forced the young man to make a difficult decision. "The salary is not stable, so I decided to return to my hometown to work closer to my family," Bao shared.

Although he feels a bit regretful when looking back, he affirms that he does not regret his choice, because currently the team has many talented players like Cong Phuong, Minh Vuong... so it is difficult to have a chance to compete.

Find passion again in the grassroots playground

Returning to his hometown, Mr. Bao worked as a worker for a company specializing in sofa production. Although the work at the factory was hard, it provided him with a stable income to take care of his family.

It seemed like his passion for football would gradually fade, but it was the working environment that helped him find that flame again.

Ho Sinh Bao (number 8) is helping Quang Ngai Trade Union show impressive playing style - Photo: QUANG THINH

The company where he works always creates conditions for workers to participate in sports activities, especially football.

Mr. Bao quickly became an indispensable factor in the company's football team. "The company creates conditions for talented brothers to compete, both to represent the company and to improve their health," he said.

At the final round of the Vietnam Workers and Civil Servants Football Tournament 2025, with the captain's armband on his arm, Ho Sinh Bao led the Quang Ngai Trade Union team to an impressive performance. For him, the tournament is not only a place to satisfy his passion but also an opportunity to exchange, learn and strengthen camaraderie with workers across the country.

The 2025 Vietnam Workers' and Civil Servants' Football Tournament is jointly organized by Tuoi Tre Newspaper, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, and Vietnam Football Federation for the third consecutive year.

Entering the 2025 season, the tournament has affirmed its position as an annual, prestigious playground for workers, civil servants, and laborers across the country; contributing to promoting the movement of physical exercise and sports, improving the cultural and spiritual life of workers, civil servants, and laborers in particular and the whole society in general.

This year's tournament is honored to receive the support of Truong Hai Group Joint Stock Company (THACO), Dong Luc Sports Group, HTP Pharmaceutical Investment Joint Stock Company, Hoa Sen Group Joint Stock Company, Sunshine Group, Saigon Water Corporation (SAWACO), Fashion Connection Joint Stock Company (Faslink), 108 Central Military Hospital, 175 Military Hospital and a number of enterprises.

The final round of the Vietnam Workers' and Civil Servants' Football Tournament 2025 took place from October 31 to November 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of 16 teams that had successfully passed the qualifying round.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bo-giac-mo-chuyen-nghiep-ve-que-tim-cuoc-song-on-dinh-20251101121443516.htm