The award, which is considered as the Asian version of the Ballon d’Or, was first organised in 2013.
Hai was earlier ranked among 24 finalists for the prize. Hai, who placed 15th with 13 points, player a major part in Vietnam’s run to the final of the AFC U23 Championship in January 2018 and continued his brilliant performances throughout the year.
He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award as Vietnam secured the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 for the second time in December.
Hai is the first Vietnamese player listed as a finalist for the award.
Meanwhile, Tottenham and Korean star Son Heung-min was announced as the winner with 206 points. It was the fourth time he has won the prestigious award.
Makoto Hasebe of Japan and Alireza Beiranvand of Iran came second and third, respectively.
