Lam Dong FC

Golden era: "The Highland Whirlwind" (1990s)

Founded in 1979, Lâm Đồng was promoted to the A1 League (currently V.League 1) in 1983 and remained the only representative from the Central Highlands in Vietnam's top league for 14 consecutive seasons. The 1990s were the club's most successful period.

With the advantage of their high-altitude, cold-climate home ground, Đà Lạt Stadium, Lâm Đồng was nearly unbeatable at home, turning it into a feared "fortress" for all opponents, including powerhouses like Thể Công and Cảng Sài Gòn.^[2]

In 1994, the club was part of an infamous "betrayal" incident with Công An Hải Phòng. After being double-crossed, coach Đoàn Phùng led his team to a 1–0 victory that saved Lâm Đồng and relegated Công An Hải Phòng.^[3] The peak of this era was a historic third-place finish in the 1997 Vietnamese First Division.

Period of instability (2003–2012)

After its golden age, Lâm Đồng's performance declined, leading to relegation in 2003. In 2005, they won a dramatic playoff against Quân Khu 7 8–7 in a penalty shootout after 12 rounds to return to the First Division, only to be relegated again the next season.

In 2011, the team finished as runners-up in the Second Division to earn promotion once more. In the 2012 season, under the name XSKT Lâm Đồng and coach Vũ Quang Bảo, they successfully avoided relegation.

Crisis and rebuilding (2013–present)

In 2013, the club faced a major financial crisis and had to withdraw from professional football, restarting from the Third Division.^[4]

Since then, Lâm Đồng has consistently competed in the Second Division. The 2025 season was particularly heartbreaking. They led their group until the final matchday, but a 0–2 loss against Gia Định saw them drop to third place due to head-to-head results, narrowly missing promotion.^[5] The club subsequently declined an invitation from the VPF to be promoted, citing the need for better preparation.^[6]