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Following his stellar performance in Saudi Arabia, which earned him the Top Scorer title and Vietnam third place, the forward returned to his hometown in Nghe An Province in central Vietnam to a hero’s welcome.

To thank neighbors and fans for their unwavering support, his family initially planned a reception of 100 tables. However, the number of guests far exceeded expectations.

From the initial plan, the family added 80 more tables, bringing the total to 180 to serve over 2,000 guests, according to Nguyen Dinh Ap, Bac’s father.

On Jan. 28, the kitchen was at full capacity as dozens of people helped prepare the feast. Each table featured a lavish 12-course menu showcasing the rich cuisine of Nghe An.

Dishes included steamed fish with soy sauce, golden fried shrimp, lemongrass steamed squid, beef in black pepper sauce and five-color salad. A particular highlight was the fresh veal dipped in fermented sauce, a local delicacy that drew significant attention. The menu also featured traditional rice noodle rolls, sticky rice with beans and pork floss and boiled tripe.

Admiration from China

The grand celebration has become a hot topic on Chinese social media and news platforms.

News site 163 commented that the scale of the banquet demonstrated the profound bond between Bac and his hometown community.

Netizens also shared the same sentiment, with one user from Chengdu calling it a “commendable cultural tradition” that strengthens community ties.

Another user from Hunan Province expressed admiration for the Vietnamese spirit of solidarity, noting that while the Chinese U23 team finished as runners-up, they lacked the vibrant celebrations seen in Vietnam.

News outlet Swamp added that the passionate support from home fans provides the mental strength for players like Bac to perform with courage on the continental stage.

Chinese media also praised Bac’s individual brilliance. 163 noted that despite carrying an injury, the 22-year-old forward showed unwavering determination and sharp goal-scoring instincts to claim the Top Scorer.

The outlet concluded that Vietnam sent a strong message to the rest of Asia: even when facing adversity, a resilient fighting spirit allows players to shine, which is a valuable foundation for the future of Vietnamese football.