When football learns to "tell a story"

VHO - At the Hanoi derby between Hanoi FC and Hanoi Police (CAHN) in round 15 of the LPBank V.League, even though the final whistle had long since blown and it was late at night in Hanoi, a large number of fans, mostly young people, patiently waited outside the stadium in the area bordering stands A and B of Hang Day Stadium.

They weren't in a hurry to leave, hoping to meet Dinh Bac and the stars of CAHN Club to ask for autographs, take photos, and capture memorable moments.

These images clearly show that when football knows how to tell its own story, the vitality of the round ball will spread powerfully, drawing spectators back to the pitch. In modern football, the appeal of a match lies not only in the scoreline but also in the emotions, stories, and characters that fans can find within it.

Behind every football team is a large number of fans, so clubs, in addition to reinventing themselves and achieving good results, must also know how to interact with their supporters. Photo: THANH BINH

The star and their story draw audiences to the stadium.

This derby match also had the largest attendance of the season so far, with approximately 10,500 people present at Hang Day Stadium. The enthusiastic atmosphere created a special springtime feel for the early days of the new year.

The bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship and the convincing victory at the 33rd SEA Games have contributed to bringing fans back to domestic football stadiums. The achievements of the national team and youth teams are creating confidence, igniting pride, and inspiring fans.

In this context, young players like Dinh Bac quickly became the center of attention. Despite going through a difficult period, having played over 1,000 minutes without scoring a goal, the striker still received enthusiastic support from the fans. Every time Dinh Bac took to the field at Hang Day Stadium, it drew the anticipation of many young people hoping to meet their idol.

This is a welcome sign that Vietnamese football is gaining a new generation of young fans. They will be the force that continues the love of football in the future, helping to pass that love from one generation to the next. The support of the fans is also a crucial driving force for Vietnamese football to continue conquering new heights.

The story from Dinh Bac also reflects a familiar reality of professional football: to attract spectators to the stadium, teams need stars and know how to create them.

Previously, Hanoi FC, owned by Chairman Hien, was the focal point of the V.League, boasting a host of outstanding players from the U23 team that played in Changzhou to AFF Cup champions such as Van Quyet, Quang Hai, Van Hau, Dinh Trong, Duy Manh… However, over time, many of them have moved to play for CAHN Club.

This shift has made CAHN a team that combines the glory of past stars with the shining young talents of the present, such as Dinh Bac. When a team brings together both glorious memories and the youthful energy of the present, its appeal to fans is inevitable.

In reality, world football also shows that teams that know how to build icons and stories around their players always create a special appeal. Fans come to the stadium not only to watch a match but also to witness the journey of the figures they admire. When players become inspirational icons, the team's appeal spreads even wider.

When clubs and players know how to interact with the public.

However, in modern football, a team's appeal doesn't just come from its achievements or the fame of its stars. More importantly, it's about how clubs and players build a connection with their fans.

Clubs need to know how to tell their own stories, from the training journey and the players' efforts to the beautiful images and humane actions that need to be shared. When these stories are conveyed in an engaging way, fans will feel like they are a part of the team.

In the digital age, connecting with fans has become more diverse and intimate. Behind-the-scenes footage, everyday stories of players, and community activities of the club can all become bridges that help viewers better understand and connect with the team.

Furthermore, the players themselves need to be clearly aware of the "value" of the fans. Small gestures such as waving to the audience, signing autographs, taking photos, or thanking them after the match can create a strong connection. Because football is not just a game on the field, but also a connection between players and fans.

A heartwarming scene often seen in big matches is when the final whistle blows, players run towards the stands to thank the fans. At the SEA Games 33 men's football final, the image of the entire team running to the stands to wave and thank the supporters was deeply moving. Similarly, in the recent Hanoi derby, the Hanoi FC players also ran towards the fans to express their gratitude after their 2-1 victory against CAHN.

It's not just a familiar ritual in modern football, but also a well-deserved reward for those who have traveled long distances and spent their own money to support their club or national team. These moments help fans feel a stronger connection to their team.

Professional football today is not just about competition in terms of skill, but also about competition in terms of appeal and the ability to connect with the public. A team that wants sustainable growth cannot rely solely on results; it needs to build its image, nurture its stars, and create compelling stories of its own.

When clubs, players, and fans come together to create these stories, football will not only unfold over 90 minutes on the pitch but will also come alive in the hearts of millions. And then, the power of the beautiful game will continue to spread, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnamese football in general, the V.League, and individual clubs in particular, in the future.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/khi-bong-da-biet-ke-chuyen-210470.html