Ho Van Loi and Chi Bao "met again in heaven"!

(NLDO) - Similar to his close friend and colleague Nguyen Chi Bao, former player Ho Van Loi also could not overcome his illness and passed away at a young age.

A week before being hospitalized for emergency treatment, famous football player Ho Van Loi still carried his shoes and put on his shirt to participate in the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City 3-generation "veteran" tournament held at Thanh Long Stadium (Binh Chanh District (old), Ho Chi Minh City) in October. The friendly tournament gathered many famous football players and former professional football players in the Southern region in the 80s and 90s of the last century.

The way he dribbles, kicks and the familiar gentle smile of "Old Laughter" - Photo: Nguyen An

Still maintaining a calm playing style, skillfully applying personal techniques and demonstrating superior class, the midfielder born in 1970 from Hue contributed greatly to helping the Truong Giang team win the tournament. On the podium to receive the title, "veteran" Ho Van Loi was also happy, joking with his teammates, and lifting the cup with his brother - famous player Ho Van Tam.

But then, that was also the last time fans got to see "Old Laughter" dancing with the ball on the green carpet. During his lifetime, he was a cheerful, sociable person, kind to his friends, always had a great love for the king sport but still fulfilled his duties as a husband and father in the family.

Ho Van Loi's dream of officially playing for the Vietnamese national team is still unfulfilled.

After a long battle with a serious illness, famous footballer Ho Van Loi passed away at 1:45 a.m. on November 12, at the age of 56. The sudden passing of the former Saigon Port player left the Vietnamese football community shocked and saddened.

Many famous players and players from many generations of Vietnamese football expressed their sadness and sympathy when hearing the news of the passing of the talented former midfielder Ho Van Loi. Before that, everyone hoped for a miracle, knowing that he had a serious illness but did not give up, fighting it by actively enjoying life and practicing sports.

Former players Vu Nhu Thanh, Nguyen Thanh Long Giang, Doan Hoang Son, Phung Thanh Phuong or Nguyen Tuan Phong... all expressed their respect for their seniors and hoped that the "freak" of Ho Chi Minh City football would leave peacefully.

The late football star Ho Van Loi is a "genius" of Ho Chi Minh City football.

Previously, in September 2023, on the day of farewell to the late player Nguyen Chi Bao, "Old Laugher" Ho Van Loi shed tears, stood silently for a long time next to the coffin of his close friend who was 2 years younger and promised to meet again in heaven. Now, both of them have their wish fulfilled and will continue to fight together on the football field on the other side of the world !

Nguyen Chi Bao and Ho Van Loi are both the best wingers in Vietnam's professional football world, having experienced many emotions and overcome many ups and downs in their "shorts and shirt" careers. This pair of soul mates are not only symbols of Ho Chi Minh City football at one time but also receive respect and admiration from colleagues and fans.

Previously, when hearing the news that Ho Van Loi had to be hospitalized for the second time, famous players and former players of Saigon Port and Ho Chi Minh City organized fundraising matches to help him with his treatment and overcome his serious illness. However, like the late player Chi Bao, "Old Laugher" could not overcome the terrible disease.

Mr. Ho Van Loi's coffin will be kept at apartment building 1050 (No. 4, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Binh Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City). The funeral will take place at 8:00 a.m. on November 14 and then the coffin will be cremated at Phuoc Lac Vien Cremation Center (Di An Ward, Ho Chi Minh City).

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ho-van-loi-va-chi-bao-gap-lai-nhau-o-thien-dang-19625111222254763.htm