News & Stories
Apr 8, 2025
Former Vietnamese football icon Nguyen Hong Son, once hailed as one of the country’s most accomplished athletes, has discovered a new athletic passion — and it's not on the football pitch. It’s on the pickleball court.
At 54, Hong Son may have retired from professional football, but his passion for sport is very much alive. In a recent interview, he shared his budding enthusiasm for pickleball, a sport he believes carries a powerful message of connection, inclusivity, and wellness.
“Pickleball is currently developing strongly in Vietnam as well as around the world, because it is suitable for all ages and genders. A person who does not need to play professional sports can easily play this sport,” said Hong Son.
The former national team midfielder is widely celebrated for his legacy in Vietnamese football. With silver medals at SEA Games 18, 20 and the 1998 Tiger Cup, as well as a slew of other accolades including the coveted Vietnam Golden Ball twice (1998 and 2001), Hong Son remains a revered figure in Vietnamese sports history.
But today, it’s pickleball — a dynamic paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis — that has captured his attention.
A Sport That Builds More Than Just Fitness
What sets pickleball apart for Hong Son isn’t just its physical benefits, but its social and community-driven spirit.
“Because it is not picky about players, this is considered a sport that connects everyone — from family, friends, colleagues… all creating a strong, united community,” he emphasized.
In a world where many sports can be exclusive due to skill or age barriers, pickleball stands out for its accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the game offers a low-entry point with high enjoyment.
Hong Son, who previously dabbled in tennis and golf, appreciates how pickleball provides the perfect balance between competition and community — without the steep learning curve.
(Photo Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/cuu-danh-thu-hong-son-pickleball-la-mon-the-thao-ket-noi-moi-nguoi-20250330013050588.htm)
Fitness Meets Passion
The former football star didn’t just pick up a paddle on a whim. For him, staying active is a lifelong commitment, and pickleball checked all the right boxes.
“It comes from the passion for sports, especially competitive sports,” he explained. “Besides exercising, I want to find a sport that can train my will, agility, and especially the flexibility of my body like soccer. Luckily, during a business trip, I learned about pickleball and realized that this is a sport that includes all of the above elements.”
His story resonates with many former athletes looking to channel their competitive energy into something meaningful after retirement. Pickleball, with its strategic gameplay and social nature, fits the bill perfectly.
Beyond the Court
Beyond his athletic career, Nguyen Hong Son has also made waves in the entertainment world. He recently appeared on the television show Anh trai vu ngan cong gai 2024, where he received overwhelming support from fans. His charisma, both on and off the field, continues to inspire generations of Vietnamese youth.
Now, as he embraces the pickleball lifestyle, he brings with him not only the spirit of a champion but also a heartfelt belief in the sport’s power to bring people together.
The Rise of Pickleball in Vietnam
As more Vietnamese discover pickleball, it's quickly becoming more than just a trend — it's a movement. From bustling cities to quiet neighborhoods, paddles are popping up across the country, and players like Nguyen Hong Son are helping fuel the momentum.
With community at its core, pickleball isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about building friendships, staying active, and creating inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds.
And for a sports legend like Hong Son to call it “a sport that connects people,” the message couldn’t be clearer — pickleball is here to stay, and it’s bringing Vietnam along for the ride.
