Vietnamese footballer Do Duy Manh loses $46,000 watch in suspected theft

Vietnamese center-back Do Duy Manh. Photo courtesy of Manh

According to Manh, while packing to check out of a hotel in Ninh Binh Province on March 31, he placed the watch in his backpack and asked an acquaintance, who joined the ride, to load his luggage into a 12-seat rental van hired by his family. During the drive back to Hanoi, the backpack was placed under the rear seat next to the acquaintance, while Manh and his family sat in the front and middle rows.

Upon returning the vehicle, Manh did not check the backpack and subsequently stored it at home. On the morning of April 1, while preparing for national team training, he discovered the watch was missing. He reviewed security camera footage, confirming that no one had touched the backpack while it was at home. Manh then spoke with the acquaintance who had helped with the luggage, who denied any involvement.

"After a week of calmly reflecting and reporting the case to the local police, I am posting this in hopes of recovering my watch," Manh wrote on Facebook Tuesday. "I sincerely ask for everyone’s help to find this very meaningful gift."

He also expressed gratitude for the support of local authorities and hotel management.

Vietnamese center-back Do Duy Manh's missing Audemars Piguet watch. Photo from Manh's Facebook

Speaking to Ngoi Sao, Manh's wife Anh said the watch was a special gift marking an important occasion and holds significant sentimental value for the couple.

"Over the past week, we checked all possible sources of information and sought the necessary assistance," she said. "With Manh busy with matches, we only posted this on social media today."

The missing timepiece is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph measuring 43 mm. Crafted from titanium, it features white gold hands and hour markers, rhodium-plated subdials and bezel, and a Grande Tapisserie-patterned dial with anti-reflective sapphire glass and a rubber strap. The watch is powered by a Calibre 4401 automatic movement, offering a 70-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 100 meters.

Manh, playing for Hanoi FC, debuted with the national team in 2015, competed in the 2015 SEA Games where Vietnam secured a bronze, and participated in the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cups.

He scored the opening goal in the national team's most recent match on March 31, helping Vietnam beat Malaysia 3-1 and secure a perfect run with six victories in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.