Dinh Bac returns, U23 Vietnam determined to defend the Southeast Asian championship

On the afternoon of June 20, Coach Kim Sang Sik announced the list of 35 players to join the Vietnam U23 team, preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament. Familiar faces who participated in the two most recent gatherings under the leadership of acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh were all present.

Coach Kim Sang Sik selected eight players who contributed to the 2023 Southeast Asian U23 Championship: goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien; defender Nguyen Hong Phuc; midfielders Nguyen Van Truong, Khuat Van Khang, Dinh Xuan Tien; three strikers Nguyen Dang Duong, Le Dinh Long Vu and Nguyen Quoc Viet.

u22 vietnam 5.JPG — 35 U23 Vietnam players were summoned by coach Kim Sang Sik. Photo: SN

Notably, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac has also returned after a period of injury treatment. Previously, the striker born in 2004 broke his fifth toe during the training camp in March and was expected to be out for at least 3 months. However, Dinh Bac recovered quickly and is ready for the Southeast Asian tournament. Having made his mark in the national team with a goal against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and a beautiful goal against Japan in the 2023 Asian Cup, Dinh Bac is highly expected in the U23 Vietnam team.

In addition, U23 Vietnam continues to have the participation of two promising overseas Vietnamese players: midfielder Viktor Le ( Ha Tinh Club) and striker Bui Alex (team B of Bohemians Praha 1905, playing in the Czech Republic's Third Division).

u23 silver medal 2.jpg — Dinh Bac returns. Photo: SN

Another notable young player is midfielder Nguyen Ngoc My of Thanh Hoa . This player is a shining star who helped Thanh Hoa U19 win the 2023 National U19 Championship and was honored as the tournament's best player. In 2024, Ngoc My continued to win the title of top scorer at the National U21 Championship, making a great contribution to helping Thanh Hoa U21 win the bronze medal.

Vietnam U23 team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria Vung Tau, train there until July 14, and then go to Indonesia to participate in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, taking place from July 15 to 29. In the group stage, coach Kim Sang Sik's team will meet Laos (July 19) and Cambodia (July 22).