Football tycoon offers $114,000 reward for Vietnam victory over South Korea in U23 Asian Cup bronze medal match

The businessman initially intended this reward for the team reaching the final. However, following the team’s heartbreaking 0-3 loss to China in the semifinals on Tuesday, Duc decided to maintain the offer for the third-place match.

“I know the players are very disappointed,” Duc told Read on Wednesday. “To boost their mentality, I’ve decided to keep the same bonus intended for the final.”

The reward package includes VND2 billion for the team and a separate bonus of VND200 million each for five specific players from the HAGL and Nutifood Academy: goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, defenders Pham Ly Duc and Nguyen Hieu Minh, midfielder Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong and striker Nguyen Quoc Viet.

Previously, on Jan. 17, a day after Vietnam defeated the UAE to reach the semifinals, Duc instantly rewarded the team with VND1 billion, plus VND50 million each for the five academy players.

Despite the semi-final defeat, Duc remains proud of the team’s journey under coach Kim Sang-sik.

“This year, reaching the top four is already a success,” he said. “Winning the championship might be ‘difficult and romantic,’ but competing for third place is totally possible. As for the match against South Korea, I think the chances are even. I know it’s very difficult, but in football, anything can happen. Hopefully, I will get to spend this money on coach Kim Sang-sik and the team.”

Duc is a pivotal figure in Vietnamese football. He entered the sport in 2001 by acquiring the Gia Lai FC and renamed it HAGL and became famous for his galacticos strategy, signing football stars like Thai legend Kiatisuk Senamuang.

In 2007, he revolutionized youth football development by establishing the HAGL-Arsenal JMG Academy, investing millions of dollars annually to produce a golden generation that included names like Nguyen Cong Phuong, Luong Xuan Truong, Nguyen Tuan Anh and Nguyen Van Toan.

After a period of financial restructuring, during which he largely stayed out of the media spotlight, Duc is gradually returning to football.

The HAGL owner affirmed that he has quietly continued to train young talent even during tough economic times. Now that his business in agriculture has returned to profitability, he plans to invest heavily again, targeting the V. League title for the 2027-2028 season.

The third-place match between Vietnam and South Korea is scheduled for 10 p.m. (Hanoi time) on Friday and will be reported live on Read International.