Trong Hoang: A warrior and leader, age is just a number.

At the age of 36, the image of Nguyen Trong Hoang, with his head wrapped in a bandage, enduring pain and fighting fiercely in Hong Linh Ha Tinh's victory over HAGL, embodies the valuable responsibility and leadership spirit in football.

Trong Hoang endured the pain and played hard in the 1-0 victory against HAGL.

Photo: Minh Tú

Ageless warrior Nguyen Trong Hoang

On the Ha Tinh pitch on the evening of November 4th, captain Nguyen Trong Hoang moved fans when he appeared in the starting lineup with a white bandage wrapped around his head, as Hong Linh Ha Tinh faced HAGL in Round 10 of the V-League 2025-2026.

Despite the torrential rain, Trong Hoang remained energetic on the right flank, throwing himself into every tackle. Throughout his more than 80 minutes on the field, he not only held firm in defense but also constantly encouraged his teammates before leaving the field in the 87th minute to the applause of the spectators.

Although Trong Hoang was substituted, his fighting spirit was kept alive by his younger teammates on the field, before they secured a 1-0 victory for Hong Linh Ha Tinh, a win steeped in the sweat and determination of the entire team, led by their 36-year-old captain.

Trong Hoang competes for the ball with Jairo on the Pleiku Arena pitch.

Photo: Minh Tran

Just a few days earlier, in the match against Hanoi FC in round 9, he was accidentally stepped on the left ear by naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen after a tackle in the 54th minute. His shirt was soaked with blood, and medical staff had to rush onto the field to stop the bleeding and bandage it.

Nevertheless, after regaining consciousness, the captain disregarded the doctor's advice, wrapped his head in a bandage, and played through the pain until the end of the match. Only when the final whistle blew, securing 3 points for Hong Linh Ha Tinh, did he go to the hospital to have the laceration stitched up.

Images of Trong Hoang fighting and shedding blood on the field have been familiar for nearly 20 years, but they always evoke strong emotions. Throughout his glorious and illustrious career, he always took to the field to fight with all his might, demonstrating leadership and responsibility to every team he played for.

An inspiration for the younger generation.

Trong Hoang is a pillar of support and a mentor for the Hong Linh Ha Tinh players.

Photo: Minh Tú

At 36 years old, Trong Hoang is not only a key player for Hong Linh Ha Tinh but also an inspiring role model and a symbol of perseverance for the younger generation of players. He embodies a true warrior – a captain who doesn't back down or fear pain, always ready to take to the field for the team.

Hong Linh Ha Tinh's victory against Hanoi FC and HAGL not only brought them points into the top 5, but also highlighted the dedication and responsibility of Hoang "Bo" to the young, "ordinary" players of the Hong Linh team.

Trong Hoang joined Hong Linh Ha Tinh in early 2024 not to retire. He wanted to play football and mentor the younger generation, as he simply stated in an interview after the match against SLNA in round 4: "I will try to pass on my experience to the young players to help the whole team win more matches."

And he's keeping his promise.

At 36 years old, Trong Hoang is still shining brightly.

Photo: Ngoc Linh

Since joining Hong Linh Ha Tinh in February 2024, Trong Hoang has played 44 matches in the V-League, scoring 3 goals. In the 2025-2026 season alone, he has played in all 10 matches, and although he hasn't scored yet, he has maintained consistent fitness and performance at the highest intensity.

Furthermore, Hoang "the Bull" played 4 matches and scored 1 goal in the National Cup. In every game, he consistently toiled on the right flank. Statistics show that Hoang "the Bull" remains among the players who cover the most ground per match – a rare feat for a veteran nearing 40 years old.

As one of the oldest players in the V-League, Trong Hoang is not only a football player but also a spiritual leader, always charging into every competition with the same strength as when he first started his career, as if he never had 4 V-League championships, 2 National Cups and countless other titles...

At the age of 36, when many players choose to retire, Hoang "the Bull" still tirelessly plays on every inch of the pitch as if age were just a number. For Hong Linh Ha Tinh, he is not just a player, but a very special gift, an exemplary role model of willpower and professionalism in football for young players to emulate.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trong-hoang-chien-binh-thu-linh-tuoi-tac-chi-la-con-so-185251105125748727.htm