Returning to the regional arena with the goal of defending the championship, U23 Vietnam entered the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament with a deep force and many outstanding individuals.
This is not only an opportunity for youth football to affirm its position, but also an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik to assess the force towards further goals at the 33rd SEA Games and the U23 Asian qualifiers.
In the official list of participants, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac received attention after a long absence due to a broken toe. Having scored against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and a resounding goal against Japan in the 2023 Asian Cup, Dinh Bac showed that he is still a special talent in Vietnamese football.
With skillful technique, speed and diverse finishing ability, the player born in 2004 will be an important spearhead on the attack line, especially in the context that U23 Vietnam needs a true leader in both expertise and spirit above.
Besides Dinh Bac, Nguyen Thai Son is also the face expected to help the team control the game in midfield. As a versatile player, able to play in many different positions from central midfielder to winger, Thai Son possesses a good physical foundation, coverage and smart playing style.
Although his form at Thanh Hoa club has been somewhat stagnant recently, with his experience in competing in many youth and international tournaments, Thai Son will still be an important factor that coach Kim Sang-sik can trust at key moments.
Among the new recruits, Nguyen Ngoc My is also a trusted face. The young player of Thanh Hoa had a maturous season in the V.League, scoring 2 goals in 15 matches and was highly appreciated for his enthusiastic playing style, speed and ability to choose smart positions.
Ngoc My is not afraid of collisions, violates wide activities and creates many dangerous situations in the penalty area. If he maintains his current form, he can completely become an interesting "unknown" in the U23 Vietnam attack.
In defense, Pham Ly Duc emerged as a reliable pillar. This central defender is not only solid in defense but also showed the ability to score with 3 goals in the V.League last season.
His ability to choose good positions, read acute situations and fiery fighting spirit help him be highly appreciated in the current U23 Vietnam squad.
In particular, being called up to the national team by coach Kim Sang-sik in June shows the great confidence that the coaching staff has in this player.
With the return of key players, the appearance of new faces with great potential and clear strategies from the coaching staff, U23 Vietnam is expected to create a positive look at U23 Southeast Asia 2025, thereby successfully defending the championship title in the regional arena.
