Trương Anh Ngọc joined the conversation in a relaxed way. Not as a famous football commentator, journalist, or writer, but as someone the online community is curious about.
When I asked, “Do you know what flex means?” he replied, No, I have no idea what flex means!
Someone who doesn’t even know what flex means is ironically being called the “king of flex” by netizens. Plus, a bunch of new Gen Z slang like offside calls and VAR checks are popping up. So what happens when the man himself speaks out?
Football Commentator Trương Anh Ngọc
Born in 1976
– A well-known Vietnamese football commentator, sports journalist, and reporter.
– Invited by the world’s top football magazine, France Football, to vote for the Ballon d’Or in 2010.
– Served as Vietnam News Agency’s chief correspondent in Italy from 2007, 2010 and 2013, 2016.
– Has been commentating on Italy’s Serie A for FPT TV since 2018.
– Known for many viral comments and catchphrases, especially with the renewed “flex” trend.
I Don’t Follow Trends, I Create Them
Hello, Anh Ngọc,
Do you often follow social media trends?
Not really. I’m not someone who chases trends or keeps up with them much. Some people love watching what’s hot online, but I don’t. I only join in if something funny comes up. I believe I should be the one creating trends, not just following them, it just doesn’t fit my style!
So are your social media comments and the way you use quotation marks to emphasize things part of creating trends?
No, the quotation marks are just to explain things, not to make something special. If people think it’s special, then there’s a problem because they’re treating it as unusual.
Sometimes people ask me, “Why are there so many groups mocking you online?” I just laugh because they’re missing some spice in their lives.
They’re missing something to make life more interesting. Maybe books don’t attract them, or sports that build strong bodies, or even traveling doesn’t help. Instead, they find joy in making fun of others.
Some people try to “press” you, putting you in tight spots. Do you ever feel like you’re flexing?
No, that’s not my goal. I don’t even know what flex means. If it’s about showing off, that’s not it. These are real experiences and knowledge. And even if I’m showing off, it’s honest, what’s wrong with sharing what you have?
But I never want my words to be copied, screenshotted, turned into memes, twisted out of context, or judged unfairly.
So honestly, I don’t really like the trend young people have made out of me.
But I realize they’re just having fun, no bad intentions, even if some memes look negative. Some fans even print my quotes on shirts and wear them when meeting me. laughs
Still, I often tell them, “Have fun, but don’t overdo it,” because respect is important.
One more thing: all celebrities, even the talented ones, get turned into funny or sarcastic memes. That’s normal. But it’s not good when it turns into personal attacks or wasting time digging up silly comments to argue about. It’s a waste of time!
Instead, we could spend that time exercising, caring for family and friends, reading, or enjoying more meaningful entertainment.
I’ve Been Known for Over 20 Years, Even Back When Covering Italian Football People Tried to Undermine Me
How do you feel when your past comments go viral again, sometimes positively, sometimes not?
Some people can’t do what I’ve done or go where I’ve been, so they end up hating what I show the world. The trips, the books, the confidence I have on TV, these things make them uncomfortable.
Luckily, in the last 2-3 years, more young people have gotten to know me, and that’s good. They create forums, fan pages, memes, or talk about me however they want. But they should look at my home, my social media, to see what I’ve done, where I’ve been, and the stories I’ve shared.
Becoming popular with young people is normal. I appreciate all the attention, whether it’s love or hate, teasing or jokes, it’s all attention.
“Anh Ngọc, I don’t like how you write this,” if a young fan says this directly on your Facebook instead of anonymously in groups, how would you react?
There are many comments like that. Some say, “You should just stick to football,” “What do you know about this to write about it?” or give advice like, “You should do this or that instead.” Lots of them.
But don’t ever tell someone what to do if you don’t understand them. I don’t force anyone to read my stuff. If they read it and don’t agree, they can give feedback differently.
Negative reactions actually motivate me. I never get upset by negative comments. Everyone has different approaches, education, and life situations. I’ve worked in media long enough to know negative comments are just people venting their frustration.
Sometimes young people comment negatively just to get a response from me. Like reading a book, some find it useful, others think it’s a waste of time. The important thing is they’re still paying attention. When you post something online and no one notices, that’s real failure.
What’s Wrong with Showing Off What You Have?
What would you say to your haters?
First, I hardly ever read the mocking comments. Usually friends send them to me, that’s how I find out. I don’t waste time browsing those pages. I don’t need to explain who I am.
We live in the 21st century. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone. Why do you call what I share “showing off”? Because you have a negative bias.
What’s wrong with showing off? People show what they have, where they’ve been, their experiences, achievements. Sometimes they even “show off” emotions, feelings, reason, and more. Social media isn’t just a private diary. What I share is simply the world I live in.
Speaking out your dreams and ambitions is a good thing. It’s a shame when people aren’t confident or brave enough to express their views.
It’s also unfortunate when people misunderstand others. If you have nothing to show or say but act like you’re right, that’s deception. And if you tell the truth but still get condemned, of course anyone would feel sad.
How do you handle people who don’t like you? And how do you avoid getting overwhelmed by praise or flattery from fans?
I’m not affected by anything except self-improvement. I fear repeating old habits and losing creativity more than anything.
Getting attention, whether love or hate, is good because it makes people curious. They visit your profile, follow you, and your fame grows. Whether people praise or criticize, eventually they’ll understand everything. And I have the patience to wait.
Do you have advice for young people using social media to express themselves?
Every generation, age group, or life stage has its own way of “playing” on social media. Older people might not interact much online but meet up to chat, read books at cafes.
Young people spend more time on social media and the internet. They express themselves by making memes, trolling, and more. But everything should have limits. Crossing those limits changes the game.
If possible, go outside and experience more of the world. Surround yourself with positive people so you’re not dragged down by the negative side of social media.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
