Revealing the number 1 goalkeeper of U.23 Vietnam: 'Spiderman' 1.91 m from HAGL

With excellent performance in V-League and extensive international experience, Tran Trung Kien is considered the leading candidate for the blocking position of U.23 Vietnam in the 2026 U.23 Asian qualifiers.

As the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers approach, coach Kim Sang-sik is selecting talented players to help Vietnam U-23 achieve their goal of qualifying for the finals. The list is still a mystery, but the candidates have begun to emerge. At this time, the 1.91 m tall goalkeeper of HAGL is gradually asserting his position as the number one player in the U-23 age group, both in terms of performance and experience.

Reliable stopper of both HAGL and U.23 Vietnam

V-League 2025 - 2026 has only gone through 2 rounds, Tran Trung Kien has made many people mention his name when showing remarkable stability. Most recently, in the match of round 2 on August 23, where HAGL had to face the most powerful attack of the tournament, Hanoi Club. Throughout the 90 minutes, Trung Kien made many excellent saves, quick reflexes against tricky shots and good control of high ball situations. It was that solid performance that helped HAGL keep a clean sheet (0-0 draw), avoiding the scenario of losing both matches and falling to the bottom of the rankings. A point that the mountain town team brought back from Hang Day Stadium is also an affirmation of Trung Kien's expertise and form at this time.

Tran Trung Kien shows high stability in V-League arena

PHOTO: MINH TU

Not only stopping at V-League, Tran Trung Kien also has valuable experience from international tournaments. He was part of the Vietnamese team that won the AFF Cup 2024. Not long ago, the goalkeeper born in 2003 joined the U.23 Vietnam team to win the U.23 Southeast Asian Championship 2025. His bravery in big matches helps Trung Kien improve day by day, becoming a reliable stopper.

Standing at 1.91m tall, Trung Kien has an outstanding advantage in controlling high balls and dominating the penalty area. In addition, he is also highly appreciated for his ability to judge situations, react quickly and enter and exit appropriately.

A diving save by Trung Kien in the match where HAGL held Hanoi to a 0-0 draw.

PHOTO: MINH TU

With all that he has shown, Tran Trung Kien has secured a place in the U.23 Vietnam team's training list to aim for the 2026 U.23 Asian qualifiers. Even the No. 1 position in the U.23 Vietnam goal is hard to escape from the hands of the goalkeeper currently playing for HAGL. A goalkeeper who is playing consistently, has extensive international experience and possesses an ideal physique is the place where the coaching staff can put their trust.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lo-dien-thu-mon-so-1-cua-u23-viet-nam-nguoi-nhen-191-m-tu-hagl-185250825153731575.htm