Former top scorer of Vietnamese football, 'Old Laugher' Ho Van Loi is no more

From football nightmare to terminal exhaustion

Speaking of Ho Van Loi, no one who loves Vietnamese football does not know a small player, only 1m 60 tall, but had a period of dominating the field, wearing the number 14 shirt, running quickly along the right wing for the most beloved team, Saigon Port. Since the early 90s of the last century, when he first appeared in the pure white shirt of the Ho Chi Minh City team, Ho Van Loi has made effective contributions. With the ability to dribble skillfully, quick passing techniques, lightning-fast penetrations and especially many valuable goals, Ho Van Loi became the top scorer of the national championship in 2002 with 9 goals. In particular, some of his goals are still mentioned over and over again until now.

Cựu Vua phá lưới bóng đá Việt Nam, 'Tiếu già' Hồ Văn Lợi không còn nữa- Ảnh 1. — Ho Van Loi in Saigon Port uniform

Few people know that Ho Van Loi's life was not as smooth as many of his teammates at the same time. Although he loved football so much that he dreamed of holding a ball in his arms, "Old Laugher", Loi's nickname, had an uncertain fate. While other players of the same age quickly emerged and asserted themselves at the age of 17-18 and caught the eye of the late coach Tam Lang, Ho Van Loi from Hue had to do odd jobs such as carrying water, pumping balls, and cleaning shoes for his seniors. Because of his passion, no matter how difficult it was, Loi was not discouraged. Whenever he had free time, he would put on his shoes and practice with his seniors. Loi had a burning desire that one day he would be "taken care of" by coach Tam Lang.

Loi's chance came in 1991 when he was sent to Lach Tray Stadium in a match against the Army Club and he himself made the stadium explode with an equalizer for the Saigon Port team. That goal helped him "change his life", entering the official ranks of the team and gradually becoming an irreplaceable right winger. I still remember in 1992, Ho Van Loi's goal against the Army Club in the National Cup final right at Thong Nhat Stadium contributed to helping Saigon Port win the championship that year after a penalty shootout with the opponent. Loi's goal at that time was likened to "coming from the ground" and made the whole stadium cheer like thunder.

Cựu Vua phá lưới bóng đá Việt Nam, 'Tiếu già' Hồ Văn Lợi không còn nữa- Ảnh 2. — Ho Van Loi (right cover) and his teammates won the National Cup in 1992.

3 times national championship in 1993-1994, 1997, 2001-2002, 2 times national cup in 1992, 2000, that was a glorious achievement of Ho Van Loi with Saigon Port team. He also contributed to making the technical, smooth and beautiful playing style with the fiery attacking style of Saigon Port at that time continue to enter the hearts of people, continuing the career of his seniors to become a part of the heroic history of Ho Chi Minh City football. Most notably, in 2002, Loi excellently won the Golden Boot award of the Vietnam Professional National Championship, at that time called V-League with 9 goals. An achievement that left an impression among the wave of foreign players that began to flood in. Because that achievement helped Loi as a domestic striker stand firm for 16 years before Anh Duc became the 2nd domestic player to win the Golden Boot award in 2017.

Cựu Vua phá lưới bóng đá Việt Nam, 'Tiếu già' Hồ Văn Lợi không còn nữa- Ảnh 3. — Ho Van Loi (seated, right) joined the Vietnamese national team in international friendly matches, but has not yet played in an official tournament.

Although he was outstanding in domestic tournaments, Ho Van Loi was unlucky not to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey to compete in official international tournaments. He was called up to the national team three times by coaches Murphy, Riedl, and Calisto, but all three times he had to return at the last minute. He only participated in a few friendly matches, but did not have the chance to play in the SEA Games or AFF Cup. It was not that Loi was bad, but perhaps his fragile physique and modest height made him disadvantaged when having to compete with foreign opponents. Sad but not disappointed, Ho Van Loi still worked hard and made constant efforts until he and his teammates in the Port team suffered a shock like "a bolt from the blue"!

Cựu Vua phá lưới bóng đá Việt Nam, 'Tiếu già' Hồ Văn Lợi không còn nữa- Ảnh 4. — How Ho Van Loi celebrates a goal

Cựu Vua phá lưới bóng đá Việt Nam, 'Tiếu già' Hồ Văn Lợi không còn nữa- Ảnh 5. — Ho Van Loi with a beautiful dribble

In recent years, Ho Van Loi has still done everything to make a living. Occasionally, he still puts on his shoes and goes out on the field with his teammates to sweat a little and relive old memories. He still participates in the team of former Ho Chi Minh City players, competes in big and small tournaments and regularly goes out on the field to guide the children. Former player Nguyen Hong Pham said: "Ho Van Loi is an indispensable part of Saigon Port and Ho Chi Minh City football. He has made practical contributions to the country's football field. At the end of his life, he still puts on his shoes and goes out on the field, passing on all his enthusiasm and passion to his juniors. Knowing that he has been sick for the past 1-2 years, Loi still tries to maintain his health, even playing pickleball a few days ago. But he did not expect the serious illness to come so quickly. We organized a fundraising match for Loi on the afternoon of November 10. We hoped to contribute to help Loi recover, but it was too late."

Cựu Vua phá lưới bóng đá Việt Nam, 'Tiếu già' Hồ Văn Lợi không còn nữa- Ảnh 6. — Ho Van Loi once opened a restaurant to make a living.

Early this morning, former defender Ho Van Tam, Loi's older brother, also on the Saigon Port team, texted "Loi is gone". A text message that made all those who loved Loi unable to help but be moved and saddened. Ho Van Loi is no longer here, but what this talented midfielder left on the field is his tireless dedication, an example of struggle for the next generation. Passing away at the age of 55 (Loi was born in 1970) is indeed too young. But life is truly unpredictable, especially when illness strikes, it spares no one. Go in peace Loi!