'Ronaldo' of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry football team.

As time ticked down to the final minutes of the second match of Group A - TNSV THACO Cup 2026 Finals on March 10th, the score remained 1-0 in favor of the home team, Nha Trang University (NTU). Hope seemed to be fading for Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (IUH), until a corner kick was taken. In that moment, IUH's number 7 striker, Phan Van Long Vu, made a run to the near post, leaped powerfully, and headed the ball into the net. The entire stadium fell silent for a moment before the beautiful goal from the visiting team's player. Long Vu ran towards the corner of the field, performing a characteristic spinning jump celebration reminiscent of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. The goal from the 22-year-old striker not only earned a point but also helped IUH put one foot in the quarterfinals of the TNSV THACO Cup 2026.

Sharing his thoughts after the match, Long Vũ's emotions were still palpable. The gentle, somewhat shy young man from Ha Tinh , a stark contrast to his fierce on-field demeanor, said: "I'm very happy to have secured a point for the team. This goal means a great deal to me because it came at the most difficult moment for the team." When asked about the spectacular goal, Vũ smiled modestly and explained that it was the result of diligent training sessions with his teammates under the guidance of coach Tran Van Dung. "The coach has taught us this corner kick technique many times. My job was to cut the ball to the post, and with a little bit of luck, we scored," Vũ confided.

'Ronaldo' of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry football team - Photo 1.

Phan Van Long Vu (left) is a fourth-year Information Technology student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry.

PHOTO: DUY ANH

Phan Van Long Vu, born in 2004, is a fourth-year Information Technology student at IUH. Not from a prestigious training academy, Vu's journey into football began on the rice paddies and dirt fields of his hometown. For Vu, football back then was simply a hobby after school hours. His connection to the IUH football team was quite coincidental. From his first year, Vu's talent impressed the coaches during friendly matches. Since then, this information technology student has become an indispensable part of the IUH team, carrying with him the desire to prove himself in the biggest student football competition in the country.

Having idolized Cristiano Ronaldo since childhood, Vu said he learned from the Portuguese superstar not only intelligent positioning and finishing skills, but most importantly, confidence on the field. "I really admire how Ronaldo always believes in himself. In last year's tournament, I felt I lacked that confidence, so this year I want to learn even more from Ronaldo's spirit to give my all for the school team. I'm very happy to have scored a goal in the style of CR7. It's safe to say this is a goal of a lifetime," Long Vu shared. In the 2025 season, IUH won third place at the THACO Cup Finals. This year, Vu and his teammates have even higher goals: "I want to go further with the team this season. Regarding personal goals, I want to contribute many more goals. If the goal is similar to my idol's, that would be even better, for example, a long-range shot or a penalty... However, the most important thing is still the team's overall achievement."

'Ronaldo' of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry football team - Photo 2.