Zing Muse – Businessman Pham Ngoc Quoc Cuong transformed his lifelong passion for football into a cultural mission, connecting communities and showcasing Vietnam to the world.
From a Love of Football to a Cultural Mission
Pham Ngoc Quoc Cuong, a Vietnamese entrepreneur and Board Member of Vietnam Railway Construction Corporation, has turned his lifelong passion for football into a cultural mission—bridging communities, telling stories, and showcasing Vietnam to the world.
Turning Passion into a Global Journey
While many slow down in middle age, Quoc Cuong continues traveling across continents—not for business deals, but to meet football legends, attend historic matches, and collect priceless memorabilia. His luggage often carries signed jerseys, classic match tickets, and photos with football icons.
Football as More Than a Hobby
For Quoc Cuong, football is not just a pastime—it’s a bridge to culture. His encounters with global stars, a collection of over 1,000 sports artifacts, and speaking engagements at schools and events all share one common goal: to tell the story of a modern, vibrant, and hospitable Vietnam.
With over 15 years of experience in finance and real estate, including time in football-loving France, he has embraced a fresh, authentic approach to cultural diplomacy—where passion speaks louder than slogans.
A Childhood Spark That Lasted a Lifetime
His love affair with football began at age seven, watching Italia ’90 and Diego Maradona’s tearful eyes after the World Cup final. From skipping breakfast to buy sports papers to pasting idol photos in a notebook, his passion became a lifelong pursuit—leading him to Argentina, Napoli, and unforgettable football moments.
Building a Football “Museum” in Hanoi
What started as a handful of signed jerseys in 2010 has now become a vast collection—over 1,000 items including jerseys from Pelé, Ronaldo, Zidane, and the iconic shirt worn by Maradona in the 1986 World Cup against Uruguay.
In his 35 m² space in Hanoi, he has created a private football museum. His dream is to open it to the public, inspiring children and attracting tourists—similar to football museums in Dortmund or Manchester.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Star Encounters
From Son Heung-min to Kylian Mbappé, every meeting becomes an opportunity to introduce Vietnam’s beauty and heritage. Many players, including Camavinga, have expressed interest in visiting Vietnam after meeting him.
Passion with a Purpose
Quoc Cuong has also used his collection for charity—auctioning memorabilia to raise funds for disaster relief in central Vietnam and Typhoon Yagi victims. For him, football is a tool for spreading humanitarian values.
Inspiring the Next Generation
His message to young people is clear: nurture your passion, work hard, embrace global cultures, and proudly share your own. He believes football is the strongest connector—and a powerful way to tell the story of a dynamic Vietnam.
The Leader
