HCM CITY (VNS) — Le Cong Vinh, Pham Thanh Luong and Nguyen Van Quyet have been shortlisted for the Golden Ball award, announced the organisers yesterday.

They will compete against 12 other players to be named the country's player of the year.

Vinh, who has won the title three times, plays for V.League 1 champions Becamex Binh Duong. Luong is a key player for former winners Ha Noi T&T, and will be competing with teammate Quyet.

All of them play for the national team.

In the women's race, the top three names are Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung of Phong Phu Ha Nam, Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet of Ha Noi 1 and Dang Thi Kieu Trinh of HCM City.

The winners will be decided through a vote by 129 sports officials, football experts, coaches, referees and journalists.

The organisers, the Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper, will also present awards to the best young male and female players, and the best foreign player.

The awards ceremony will be held on April 13 at HCM City's Ben Thanh Theatre. — VNS