Heat is on for NBA star Chung as he signs a new contract
Nguyễn Đỗ Thành Chung, a 20-year-old midfielder of Vietnamese and Bulgarian descent, has made a significant move to join Ninh Bình FC in the V.League 1. Transfermarkt has named Chung as the most valuable U23 footballer in Southeast Asia, with a market value of €400,000 (approximately US$466,000) [1][2].
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, on May 23, 2005, to Vietnamese parents, Chung developed his youth career primarily in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia and Slavia Sofia. Initially starting as a goalkeeper, he switched to midfielder during his development [1]. He made his professional debut for Slavia Sofia in January 2023 and attracted attention from major clubs, including Barcelona, in 2022 [1].
In July 2025, Chung returned to Vietnamese football, transferring to Ninh Bình on a five-year contract. This move involved a high-value contract, reportedly costing Ninh Binh billions of dong, making him the most expensive U23 player in Southeast Asia [1][4].
Chung's transition to the V.League 1 has been complicated by the intense summer climate in Vietnam. The sudden arrival just before the start of the campaign left little time for acclimatization. However, many league matches will be played in the evenings, potentially easing Chung's transition, and cooler conditions are forecast in the north, which may further aid his acclimatization [3].
Despite the challenges, Chung's return to Vietnam for the 2025/26 season is a significant move for Ninh Bình FC. The club paid over VNĐ13 billion (approximately US$495,600) to secure Chung's transfer [4]. Fans and pundits remain hopeful that with time, Chung will live up to his valuation and become a key figure in Ninh Bình's V.League 1 ambitions.
Chung's early days back on home soil have been far from smooth due to heat-related issues. He suffered from heat shock during two recent friendlies against Hà Nội FC and Sông Lam Nghệ An [3]. However, these issues are temporary and may be resolved with acclimatization and cooler conditions.
Before his move to Vietnam, Chung represented Bulgaria at various youth international levels, including U17, U19, U20, and U21, earning eight caps with the Bulgarian U21 team [1]. However, on August 6, 2025, FIFA approved his request to switch allegiance to Vietnam [1][2]. This opens the possibility for him to play for Vietnam’s U23 or senior national teams moving forward.
In conclusion, Nguyễn Đỗ Thành Chung, also known as Chung Nguyen Do, is a product of European football who has returned to Vietnam to join Ninh Bình FC in the V.League 1. With his international future now aligned with Vietnam, Chung's return is a significant move for a V.League 1 newcomer. Fans and pundits eagerly await his adaptation to the league and his potential impact on Ninh Bình's ambitions.
References: [1] https://www.transfermarkt.com/chung-nguyen-do/profil/spieler/4530516 [2] https://www.vietnamfootball.vn/news/item/140178-chung-nguyen-do-officially-becomes-a-vietnamese-citizen-and-joins-ninh-binh-fc [3] https://www.vietnamfootball.vn/news/item/140177-chung-nguyen-do-suffers-heat-shock-during-friendly-matches [4] https://www.vietnamfootball.vn/news/item/140176-ninh-binh-fc-spend-vnd-13-billion-to-sign-chung-nguyen-do
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