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From Lecture Halls to the Football Field – “Be Intellectuals Who Play Football”
Football is not only a sport full of excitement and passion but also a stage where players showcase their talent, ambition, and relentless effort. At DNTU, the players of DNTU FC further prove that they are not just athletes who take on tough challenges on the pitch but also students who dedicate themselves to their academic journey and personal growth beyond the "touchline". The seemingly contrasting roles of "footballer" and "intellectual student" can, in fact, blend together perfectly.
"The Boys on the Pitch" – Aggressive, Passionate, and Full of Fire
When stepping onto the pitch, DNTU FC players are not just students—they are true warriors. Every pass, every tackle, and every shot is a reflection of their determination, effort, and desire to win. They never shy away from tough challenges, from intense duels to the nail-biting moments that decide the outcome of the match.
These young men are always ready to give their all on the field. They may fall, but they never give up. For them, each match is not just about chasing victory; it’s a chance to showcase their courage, team spirit, and unwavering dedication to the DNTU FC jersey.
The players in the DNTU FC jersey give their all on the pitch.
Off the Pitch, DNTU FC Players Return to Their Role as Dedicated Students
In contrast to the intensity and excitement on the pitch, when they return to the classroom, DNTU FC players transform back into students—intellectuals in crisp white shirts or school uniforms, fully engaged in their lectures. They understand that success on the pitch isn’t built on physical strength alone; it also requires deep knowledge of psychology, tactics, teamwork, and even management skills.
Equipping themselves with knowledge not only helps them maintain peak performance but also lays a solid foundation for a sustainable career after football. These players have proven that in football, physical strength isn’t enough—true success comes from continuous self-improvement, intellectual growth, and strategic thinking.
DNTU FC players are a clear testament that academics and sports can go hand in hand.
On the field, you are resilient warriors. In the classroom, you are ambitious scholars. You continuously learn and refine yourselves, not only to shine in matches but also to build a solid future. Both identities—footballer and scholar—reflect a fundamental aspect of DNTU students: striving for victory on the pitch while relentlessly pursuing personal growth and self-improvement. This not only reshapes perceptions of football players but also elevates the value of education and self-development, even when pursuing an elite career in sports.
Dr. Phan Ngoc Son, Chairman of the University Council at Dong Nai Technology University and Vice President of the Asian University Football Federation (AUFF), once shared: "Be intellectuals who play football." He has always emphasized that our team must uphold fair play, ensuring that intellectual athletes maintain the integrity of a scholar—never sacrificing sportsmanship for victory. Players must compete with full dedication, confidence, and respect for referees’ decisions while demonstrating courtesy towards opponents and spectators, embodying the spirit of "Play Beautifully, Win Beautifully, Support Beautifully."
And the "Warriors of the Pitch" from DNTU FC—you have done just that. You are intellectuals who play football. You are not just a generation of talented athletes but also a testament to the enduring value of harmonizing academics with passion.
Dr. Phan Ngoc Son – Chairman of the University Council (center) – along with the Board of Rectors, met with and congratulated the DNTU team for becoming the representative of the Southeast region to compete in the Final Round of the 3rd Vietnam Student Football Championship – 2025 THACO Cup.
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT