Nguyen Quang Hai soon made his mark at the ASEAN Cup when he and the Vietnamese national team won the championship in 2018. At that time, at the age of 21, the midfielder born in 1997 not only played an important role in the championship journey but was also voted the Best Player of the tournament.
Quang Hai's journey at the 2018 tournament began with a goal in the 3-0 victory over Laos. In the group stage, he continued to score and assist in the 3-0 victory over Cambodia, contributing to helping the Vietnamese team advance to the semi-finals with an unbeaten record.
In the semi-finals, Quang Hai continued to leave his mark with a goal against the Philippines, helping the Vietnamese team win the right to enter the final against Malaysia. After the first leg drew 2-2 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, the Vietnamese team won 1-0 in the second leg at My Dinh Stadium. Quang Hai made a decisive pass for Nguyen Anh Duc to score, thereby helping his team win 3-2 overall and win the regional tournament for the second time.
The outstanding performance helped Quang Hai become the second Vietnamese player to win the ASEAN Cup Player of the Year title, after Nguyen Hong Son in 1998.
After winning the championship in 2018, Quang Hai continues to play an important role in the national team. He participated in the journey of the Vietnamese national team to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup, a remarkable achievement of Vietnamese football in the continental arena.
At ASEAN Cup 2024, Quang Hai continues to conquer the regional championship with the Vietnamese team. This is the third time the team has won the championship after 2008 and 2018.
Entering ASEAN Cup 2026, Quang Hai has a different role compared to 8 years ago. The 29-year-old midfielder was given the captain's armband and became one of the most experienced players in coach Kim Sang Sik's squad.
No longer a prominent young talent of the 2018 tournament, Quang Hai is currently expected to become a professional and spiritual support for the Vietnamese team. Many years of playing experience at the national team level also helps him have more responsibility in leading young players.
The Vietnamese team has won the ASEAN Cup three times in 2008, 2018 and 2024. The team has never successfully defended the championship in the next tournament. Therefore, ASEAN Cup 2026 brings a special goal for Quang Hai and his teammates.
If they continue to win the championship, the Vietnamese team will not only increase the number of regional championships to 4 but also create a new milestone in history when they successfully defend the championship for the first time.
From a young talent shining at ASEAN Cup 2018 to the captain of the Vietnamese national team at ASEAN Cup 2026, Quang Hai has gone through a long journey with regional football. In the new chapter of his career, the 29-year-old midfielder continues to be expected to lead the Vietnamese national team towards the goal of defending the championship.
