HIEUTHUHAI on ‘What Creates True Greatness’ in Athletes — And Applying That to His Music
The Vietnamese singer is a longtime FIFA World Cup fan.
Black News 
This story is part of Billboard’s Global World Cup Series, a collection of 11 cover stories which pairs top soccer stars across the world competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with highly-touted musicians in accompanying countries.
HIEUTHUHAI is an artist who believes that discipline does not belong solely to sports or music. It belongs to those who dare to stand under the spotlight, endure the pressure and strive toward something greater than themselves.
Some people grow through football pitches. Others grow through stages. HIEUTHUHAI is one of the rare few who has learned the same lesson from both worlds.
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It is no coincidence that FIFA chose HIEUTHUHAI to accompany the 2026 World Cup. If there is one face in Vietnamese music who truly understands the shared language between music and sports — the language of discipline, pressure, and performing under millions of eyes — it is him.
In this conversation for the collaboration project, HIEUTHUHAI does not speak like an artist promoting himself. He speaks like someone who watched the 2006 France vs. Italy final, who lived through every World Cup fever across the summers and who understands that music, much like football, is a universal language that needs no translation.
As an artist, what do you admire most about athletes?
HIEUTHUHAI: It’s the discipline, perseverance and consistency. The ability to keep striving every single day, constantly push beyond limits and stay committed to long-term goals is what creates true greatness. More than that, athletes have to face immense pressure during major competitions. Just like my favorite team, Arsenal F.C., winning the Premier League after more than two decades is a testament to never giving up. Those qualities are what I truly admire and try to apply to my own artistic journey. Both sports and music demand discipline and relentless training.
What makes it all worth it?
HIEUTHUHAI: First of all, it’s about fulfilling your own passion becoming someone not everyone can become. But more importantly, it’s about connecting with people, with fans. Whether it’s a crowd singing along or supporters cheering from the stands, that shared energy is what makes everything worthwhile.
Have you followed the World Cup for a long time?
HIEUTHUHAI: I’ve followed the World Cup since 2006. The France vs. Italy final was actually the very first football match I ever watched on television. I’m really looking forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and I hope it brings even greater excitement than the incredible 2022 tournament. It’s definitely something I want to experience in person one day.
In your opinion, how does music shape emotions and the experience of sports? Are there any artists who particularly inspire you?
HIEUTHUHAI: Music amplifies emotions. It creates tension, excitement and connection, turning a match into something unforgettable. I often listen to Drake, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish. They’re artists who understand exactly how explosive a single line of music can become when it hits at the right moment.
What role have sports played in your life? Are there any sports you were especially connected to?
HIEUTHUHAI: (Laughs.) I used to spend a lot of time playing football, volleyball, table tennis and even esports. Right now, because I’m focusing more on music and work, I don’t get to play as often anymore. But no matter how busy my schedule gets, I always keep the habit of following sports whenever I can.
The Point Where They Meet
Between the football pitch and the stage, HIEUTHUHAI has found one common heartbeat: discipline may guide you forward, but passion is what carries you to the finish line. He calls it the loneliest kind of belief — a form of resilience built from countless quiet hours in the studio or under rehearsal lights with no audience watching. Because before the world recognizes an artist or an athlete, that person must first convince their own hearts that the journey, no matter how difficult, is always worth seeing through to the very end.
