Entering 2025, Vietnamese football is poised to seize significant opportunities to solidify its position on regional and international stages. Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn, one of Vietnam’s top experts, shares his insights on the potential and future direction of the national team.
Vietnamese Football 2024: Foundation for Success in 2025
2024 was a landmark year for Vietnamese football, with the national team claiming the AFF Cup title. This victory not only brought pride to fans but also demonstrated the remarkable progress of the country’s football scene.
The 2024 AFF Cup championship has had a positive impact on Vietnamese football (Photo: Hướng Dương).
According to Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn, despite some disappointing results early in 2024, the AFF Cup victory has boosted fan confidence. The convincing wins over Thailand in the final particularly highlighted the caliber of the Vietnamese team. However, he emphasized that this does not mean Vietnam has fully surpassed Thailand. In terms of youth development systems and stability, Thailand remains a formidable competitor.
Youth Development: A Stable Foundation for the Future
One of the key factors contributing to the stable growth of Vietnamese football is the focus on youth development. Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn notes that Vietnam’s youth training programs rank among the top two in Southeast Asia, just behind Thailand.
Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn led U23 Vietnam in the 2024 AFC U23 Championship (Photo: AFC).
Naturalized players are seen as a secondary option, used only in exceptional circumstances. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has affirmed that prioritizing youth development remains the top priority for long-term success. This commitment is evident in the frequent playing opportunities provided by major clubs like Viettel FC, Hanoi FC, and Bình Dương FC.
Prospects for SEA Games 33 and Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
Looking at the current pool of young talents, Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn is optimistic about the chances of winning gold at SEA Games 33, scheduled for December 2025. He highlights that the U22 Vietnam squad boasts numerous young talents who regularly compete in domestic leagues, such as goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên, defender Lê Nguyên Hoàng, midfielder Nguyễn Thái Sơn, and forward Nguyễn Quốc Việt.
Coach Kim Sang Sik ensures no young talent is overlooked in Vietnamese football (Photo: Tiến Tuấn).
Regarding the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Vietnam is favored due to a favorable group draw. While Malaysia is the main rival, Vietnam holds an advantage in terms of stability. Teams like Nepal and Laos in the same group are unlikely to compete evenly with Coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad.
Conclusion: Toward a Brighter Future
Vietnamese football is on a steady path to growth, thanks to sound strategies and substantial investment in youth development. With existing potential and thorough preparation, the national team can look forward to significant achievements in 2025, from SEA Games 33 to the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Let’s continue to support and follow the journey of these young Vietnamese players as they strive for greatness!
Naturalized players are used only as a temporary solution (Photo: Mạnh Quân).
Source: Dân trí
