The goalkeeper of Vietnam’s U23 football team, the country’s heroes after a historic run at the Asian football championship this year, has made his debut in the fashion industry by taking the catwalk at an international event in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday.

Bui Tien Dung stole the limelight on the last night of the 2018 Vietnam International Fashion Week in the southern metropolis, as he appeared on the stage, leading a group of models to showcase the latest collection of local fashion brand Viet Tien.

Almost all audience members at the show clapped along every step of the 21-year-old goalkeeper, as he walked through the U-shaped stage.

Dung was a member of Vietnam U23s who finished second at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, the top regional competition for underage footballers, in China in January.

Thanks to both his talent and his looks, the goalie has risen to fame as one of the team’s biggest stars. Considered a heartthrob player, Dung now has nearly 2.8 million followers on his verified Facebook account.

Even though it has been three months since Dung and his teammates shone at the AFC competition, his appearance on the catwalk still gave a blast of excitement to the entire audience.

The rapturous reception just proved that the fascination of the U23 team, particularly the goalkeeper, remains among local fans.

Bui Tien Dung (center). Photo: Tuoi Tre

Bui Tien Dung (center). Photo: Tuoi Tre

The four-night Vietnam International Fashion Week featured thousands of designs with more than 400 professional models, including the top local names, but all eyes had been on the performance of the football player.

Contrary to the friendly look and the beaming smile usually seen whenever he is on the pitch, the ‘model’ Dung appeared to be quite professional on the catwalk, keeping a cold face and making firm steps.

In a navy blue Viet Tien suit, the goalkeeper-and-model looked more mature than his age.

Sunday’s show also boasted six other performances by designers and brands from Vietnam, Israel and Italy.

But not everyone is pleased with a goalkeeper strutting on the catwalk. Some have complained that Dung should have concentrated on his career as a professional footballer.

The young goalie faced his first scandal back in February, when he reportedly signed a commercial deal with a PR company without the consent of his club, which owns the rights to his likeness.

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