In a dazzling display of skill and cultural pride, Vietnamese freestyle footballer Đỗ Kim Phúc captivated tens of thousands of spectators in Spain’s La Liga, one of the world’s premier football leagues. Performing at iconic stadiums like Barcelona’s Olympic Lluís Companys and Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano in late January, Phúc not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also brought a slice of Vietnamese heritage to the global stage. His performances, themed around Tết (Lunar New Year) with symbols like the nón (Vietnamese conical hat) and peach flowers, marked a historic moment as the first Vietnamese and Asian content creator invited to perform in the league.
A Historic Invitation
Phúc’s journey to Spain was no small feat. This marked the second time he received such an honor, having first performed in 2024 at Mendizorrotza Stadium during a match between Deportivo Alavés and Atletico Madrid. This year, his invitation extended to three official La Liga matches, where he mesmerized audiences at some of Spain’s most storied venues. “La Liga’s invitation is the greatest honor of my life. Performing at Barcelona is something truly special, and I’m really proud to have been there” Phúc shared with enthusiasm. His performances were met with thunderous applause, a testament to his unique blend of football juggling, dance, and acrobatics. 
For his debut show at Barcelona, Phúc meticulously prepared a Tết-inspired routine, incorporating traditional elements to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Wearing an áo dài (traditional Vietnamese long dress) during his final act at Real Sociedad’s Reale Arena, he shared the stage with the club’s mascot, Txurdin, further endearing himself to fans. “I prepared carefully for the performance as I was the first ever halftime entertainer at the stadium. Barcelona is a huge club with millions of fans, so I had to be extra meticulous” he explained.
Bringing Vietnamese Culture to the World
Phúc’s performances were more than just displays of athletic prowess; they were a celebration of Vietnamese identity. His signature move, “Around Việt Nam,” which involves balancing and maneuvering the ball around a conical hat, debuted during his 2024 performance and has since become a crowd favorite. “Stepping into Mendizorrotza gave me goosebumps. Holding our national flag and performing in Spain filled me with immense pride” he recalled. This cultural fusion resonated deeply with international audiences, bridging the gap between Vietnam and the global football community.
Interestingly, Phúc seemed to bring good fortune to the teams he performed for—all three home teams emerged victorious in their matches. This led to him being dubbed a “symbol of luck” by La Liga officials. “Some clubs have already sent offers, but I plan to train harder and prepare better acts before returning” he noted, hinting at future appearances on Spanish fields.
A Trailblazer in Freestyle Football
At 36, Phúc is a pioneer in Vietnam’s freestyle football scene, having started his journey in 2007. Inspired by Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, he has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including a world-level title in 2010, a top-12 finish at the Master of the Game in 2011, and first place at the Asian Freestyle Football Championship in 2013. “Freestyle football combines football skills with the artistry of dance and acrobatics. There are no limits to the points of body contact with the ball—we use all parts of the body to make it move smoothly and magically” he described.
The sport demands not only technical skill but also immense perseverance. Phúc admitted that mastering certain moves took months, and injuries like dislocations and sprains are an occupational hazard. Yet, his passion for creativity keeps him going. “What I enjoy most about freestyle football is the creativity. Each player brings their own style, inventing unique moves to express themselves” he said.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond his personal achievements, Phúc is deeply committed to nurturing young talent. As a coach, he has guided Vietnamese duo Nguyễn Danh Quang and Nguyễn Anh Tuấn to a silver medal in the double routine category at the 2022 Super Ball World Open Freestyle Football and Footbag Championship. More recently, his protégé Cấn Minh Đức clinched the 2024 World Freestyle Football Association NextGen World Championship. Phúc’s dedication to mentorship is shaping the future of the sport in Vietnam.
His efforts extend beyond the field as well. Through initiatives like donating 1,000 footballs to children across Vietnam and participating in the “Nurturing Football Dreams” project, Phúc has brought joy to underprivileged youth. Reflecting on a trip where 22 children from Hà Giang Province watched a V.League match, he shared, “The joy on their faces when they received the balls and visited the stadium moved me deeply. It gives me and my team the strength to keep doing more for children’s happiness.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Following his standout performances, Phúc was appointed La Liga’s image ambassador in Vietnam, a role that positions him to strengthen ties between the European league and Vietnamese fans. Looking ahead to 2025, he hinted at exciting plans, including international competitions and a collaborative project with swimming legend Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên. “Stay tuned—it’ll be revealed in April” he teased.
As Đỗ Kim Phúc continues to dazzle on the global stage, his story remains a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Vietnam and beyond. With each performance, he not only elevates freestyle football but also showcases the rich cultural tapestry of his homeland, proving that talent and tradition can shine brightly together.
