Back and more powerful than ever
For the 2nd time in the group stage of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, Nguyen Dinh Bac was brought onto the field from the bench by coach Kim Sang-sik. He started the match against U23 Saudi Arabia with a... yellow card. Even the referee checked the VAR, to determine the possibility of firing Dinh Bac.
U23 Vietnam had to endure a series of attacks from U23 Saudi Arabia. The opponent had 26 shots, while Vietnam only threatened the opposite penalty area 4 times. In one of the rare shots on target mentioned above, U23 Vietnam got a goal and Dinh Bac himself shone in a way that no one thought of.
It was a very cold and classy finish," AFC's homepage described Dinh Bac's acceleration and very powerful left-footed shot from a narrow angle in the 64th minute.
Reviewing the slow-motion situation, many experts were impressed when witnessing the U23 Vietnam striker creating such a beautiful masterpiece. 2 years ago at the 2023 Asian Cup, Dinh Bac headed the ball backwards into the Japanese net with an easy finishing position and angle.
After 2 years, the striker from Nghe An still maintains the "habit" of scoring super goals in the continental arena. Even, the level of goals is sharper and more classy.
That could be the goal that created a turning point for Nguyen Dinh Bac's fate, helping him end the extreme views he had for himself because of the "scratch" a few years ago. Interspersed between 2 beautiful Asian-level goals, Dinh Bac has experienced many upheavals both in terms of injury and psychology.
In 2024, after a good performance at the Asian Cup, the striker born in 2003 received the attention of a few Japanese clubs. Also from here, some "flirty words" surrounding Dinh Bac's transfer became topics present in newspapers and social networks.
Even, deciding not to sign a contract with Hanoi FC has made Dinh Bac the focus of criticism from a part of fans. Many opinions believe that Dinh Bac has star disease, a delusion of his own ability.
In addition, Dinh Bac's delay in a few training sessions at Quang Nam club, being disciplined by the coaching staff... further caused him to lose points. Some injuries to the ankle or little finger area also caused Dinh Bac's development to be interrupted afterwards.
In the spiral of continuous negativity surrounding him, by mid-2025, many people believed he could shine in the colors of the Hanoi Police Club or the Vietnamese national team later.
Thank you dad and coach Polking.
Witnessing the young student enduring public criticism for a long time, coach Mano Polking is the bridge to bring him back to his true self.
He is a great guy, always striving in training, with good physique, fast and strong," Mr. Polking shared with the press.
This strategist sees the potential and qualities that can become a big star from Dinh Bac. And that is the reason why he constantly talks, encourages and gives opportunities from training ground to competition so that Dinh Bac can improve himself.
“Confidence is what Dinh Bac needs. He will do many things if he is placed in the right position. I often tell Dinh Bac that goals and assists will come because he can do even better. I have been saying this for 6 months. Dinh Bac is the future of Vietnamese football. For me, he will be the next big star. And I am very happy to witness his development journey at the present time," coach Polking said.
In addition to the captain of Hanoi Police, the two people who helped Dinh Bac return and progress are his parents. In the time when the young player was under pressure from public opinion, labeled "star disease", Mr. Nguyen Dinh Ap and his wife were the fulcrum for his son to overcome.
I was afraid my parents would cry when I knew I had gone through such a series of upheavals. But it was so touching. My parents became a support for me to try to recover afterwards," Dinh Bac once confided on a television program.
It's a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit.
