Away from the spotlight, Huynh Nhu finds comfort in simplicity. Listening to music, enjoying Vietnamese food and calling her family are small routines that help her stay grounded amid the demands of elite football. They also remind her of her roots and the values that continue to shape her journey.
“My family taught me humility, hard work and gratitude,” she told FIFA. “Whatever I achieve, I always remember where I started. That’s what keeps me grounded.”
That humility has never left her, even as goals, trophies and milestones have marked a career spanning more than a decade. Despite the records attached to her name, including being her nation’s all-time leading scorer, Nhu remains uncomfortable with the spotlight being on her.
“I don’t see myself as the greatest,” said the 34-year-old forward. “I’m just someone who always gives her best for Vietnamese football.
“If there is anything to be proud of, it’s that I’ve had the chance to play alongside extraordinary generations of players and contribute, even in a small way, to the growth of women’s football in our country.”
Vietnam’s qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ was one of the most emotional chapters of her life. As captain, she felt years of effort converge into a single unforgettable moment.
“It’s something I will never forget. When the final whistle blew, the whole team embraced.”
For her, the celebration was more than joy – it was a release. A release shaped by sacrifice, belief and perseverance. “I felt proud because we achieved something that once seemed so far beyond our reach.”
That pride carried her through the tournament, even as Vietnam confronted the reality of competing against the world’s strongest teams.
Appearing at the Women’s World Cup demonstrated that Vietnam have work to do to match the global elite, yet what remains most vivid in her memory is not the matches. “What I remember most is the love from the fans who followed and supported us,” she said.
On a personal level, the tournament held even deeper meaning. For the first time, she was able to bring her parents to the stadium to watch her perform on the world’s biggest stage.
“Seeing them in the stands is a moment I will never forget. It made me appreciate this journey even more and gave me greater motivation to keep fighting.”
In 2022, Nhu made history again by becoming the first Vietnamese women’s footballer to play overseas, joining Lank FC Vilaverdense in Portugal.
The transition was far from easy. “The language, the culture, the speed of play – everything was new,” she said. “There were moments when I felt lonely.”
Yet that period away from home became a defining chapter in her personal and professional development. “It helped me become more professional,” she explained. “It made me realise that with enough determination, I can adapt to any environment.”
As Vietnam prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March – where they have been drawn in Group C alongside Japan, India and Chinese Taipei in a tournament that also serves as qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ – Nhu remains focused on the collective goal.
“I don’t put too much emphasis on personal targets. What I want most is for the team to perform well, stay united and maintain our fighting spirit.” Goals, she insists, are a bonus “If I can contribute through goals or simply my experience, that already makes me happy.”
That mindset reflects her understanding of leadership. As captain, responsibility means placing the team above all else. “If the team wins and I don’t score, I’m still happy. The role of a captain is to inspire and set an example – in training and in matches.”
Five Vietnamese Women’s Golden Ball awards underline her status as one of the country’s most accomplished players. Each carries meaning, though the first holds a special place. “It was recognition for a young girl who simply tried her best every day,” she recalled.
But she is quick to share the credit. “Those awards don’t belong to me alone,” said the Chau Thanh-born forward. “They are the result of collective effort – from my team-mates and from those who quietly supported me behind the scenes.”
The same applies to her record as Vietnam’s all-time leading scorer, with 70 goals in 121 appearances. The statistics remain, but memories matter more. “I remember the moments more than the numbers. Every goal is linked to a match, an emotion, a hug from a team-mate. Numbers are just statistics – memories last forever.”
For Nhu, returning to the Women’s World Cup would mean far more than repeating an achievement. “The World Cup is not only an accomplishment. It is a source of inspiration for young girls to believe they can dream big.”
Every appearance on the global stage, she believes, brings greater recognition and investment for women’s football in Vietnam. And as she looks to the future, her hope is clear.
“I hope young players see that with perseverance and effort, they can reach the world stage. I hope women’s football in Vietnam continues to grow and that more players have the opportunity to compete abroad.”
