Kevin Pham Ba's New Chapter at the Age of 31

At 31 years old, Kevin Pham Ba began his "homecoming" journey with a contract with Nam Dinh Club in the V.League, this could be the key to opening a new door for him in his career.

Kevin Pham Ba begins a new journey in his career when playing in V.League. Photo: TXND .

“Kevin Pham Ba is a quality player. He had some difficulties at first, but now he has integrated well and understands the team’s style of play. Kevin Pham Ba is in good form,” coach Vu Hong Viet said about his player after the 3-0 victory over Hanoi FC on May 4.

At Hang Day Stadium last night, a corner kick by Nam Dinh FC in the 27th minute forced a defender of Hanoi FC to head the ball away. In a favorable position, Kevin Pham Ba volleyed to open the score. This was also the goal that helped the team from Thanh Nam start the process of causing sorrow to Hanoi FC right on their home field.

“Better late than never”

Kevin Pham Ba was born in 1994 in France, his grandfather is Vietnamese. Growing up from the Sochaux training center, the 1.85 meter tall player's career has not been very smooth. After more than a decade of playing football, Kevin Pham Ba has never played abroad. He has played for 2nd and 3rd division clubs in France such as Troyes, Le Pontet, Marignane, Martigues or Frejus Saint Raphael Club in the 4th division of this country before joining Nam Dinh Club in the mid-season transfer period.

Although not outstanding in terms of achievements, Kevin Pham Ba is a player who can play in many positions and has a knack for scoring goals. That is why he is being targeted by some teams in Vietnam. Talking to Tri Thuc - Znews after the victory over Hanoi Club, the player born in 1994 shared that when he knew he had Vietnamese blood, he longed to return to his homeland one day. Kevin Pham Ba also revealed that many Vietnamese teams had contacted him, but all of them were just at the exploration level, until the winter transfer market came, and a new door began to open for him.

Kevin Pham Ba when competing in France. Photo: NVCC .

“I have been contacted by several teams in Vietnam for a long time, but all of them were just at the exploratory level, without any specific offers. It was not until the last winter transfer period that I received a really clear invitation. To be honest, I had hoped to come to Vietnam sooner, but as the French say: 'Better late than never'. Now, that dream has come true,” Kevin Pham Ba shared with Tri Thuc - Znews .

“For me, this is a great opportunity, a special journey not only because I get to play in a new football environment, but also because it is a chance for me to explore my homeland and roots. This is also the first time I have left France to play abroad, although it is difficult, I am ready to accept this challenge,” he said, optimistically ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Dream of wearing national team jersey

5 appearances, 1 goal, that is an impressive number for a defender in V.League. As for Kevin Pham Ba, the first goal in the new team's shirt made him so happy that he couldn't sleep.

Kevin Pham Ba scored his first goal for Nam Dinh Club. Photo: TXND .

“V.League gives me a completely different experience compared to French football. I am really surprised by the fierce competition in this tournament. Although Vietnamese players are smaller, they have a very good physical foundation, not inferior to French players. Talking about ball handling skills and flexibility, Vietnamese players are more skillful, that is the difference,” the player born in 1994 commented on Vietnamese players.

Compared to many other overseas Vietnamese players playing in the V.League, Kevin Pham Ba’s “return home” can be considered late. At 31 years old, this is an age that makes many players have to compete with their physical strength. But for him, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

“At 31, I don’t think it’s too late to start a new journey. On the contrary, this could be the stage where I am reaching my peak performance. For me, age is not a barrier if I know how to maintain a moderate lifestyle and regular training. That is the secret to prolonging my playing career. I hope to soon complete the procedures to obtain Vietnamese citizenship. If I am called up to the national team, it will be a great honor and a memorable milestone in my career,” Kevin Pham Ba said about his new journey.

There are 5 rounds left in the V.League, with his scoring talent, the defender of Vietnamese-French blood can completely improve his achievements. The championship will be the most wonderful gift in Kevin Pham Ba's journey back to his roots. Further, it could be Vietnamese nationality and a place in the national team in the near future.

Source: https://znews.vn/chuong-moi-o-tuoi-31-cua-kevin-pham-ba-post1550990.html