Vietnamese national footballer embraces same-sex marriage

The couple, who began their relationship in 2022, celebrated their wedding on Saturday. This marks the first time a female Vietnamese football player has publicly married a partner of the same sex.

Tran Thi Thu (R) and Nguyen Thi Thuong during their wedding in Ho Chi Minh City on Jan. 6, 2023. Photo from Thuong’s Facebook

Several of Thu’s teammates from both her club and the national team attended the event and extended their best wishes, including defender Hoang Thi Loan, defender Chuong Thi Kieu, and goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

Thu, 33, enrolled in the Ho Chi Minh City Football Club’s youth program in 2006. She had been a consistent starter for the Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Football Club since then, securing eight national titles with the team.

She was first called up to the Vietnam Women’s National Football Team in 2017 and has since participated in 32 games. Her achievements include winning gold at SEA Games 31 and 32 and competing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Tran Thi Thu (wearing number 4) with the Vietnam women’s national football team before their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup match against the U.S. in New Zealand, on July 22, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Thu’s contract with Ho Chi Minh City Football Club ended after the 2023 season. She is currently undecided about renewing with the club or exploring other opportunities.