Le Cong Vinh: Coaching Internship in Japan Opens Future for Vietnamese Football

I have followed Le Cong Vinh's career from the early days when he was a young, passionate striker. Now at the age of 41, I see him on a different journey – not with the ball at his feet, but with a tactical board in hand. He is coaching as an intern at Hokuriku University in Japan, as part of his AFC A License course. This is not only a personal step forward, but also a signal that Vietnamese football is seriously investing in coaching quality. The story began in June 2026 when Vinh completed Phase 1 of the A License organized by the JFA. In September 2026, he entered Phase 2, from September 6 to 15, at Hokuriku University – one of Japan's strong university teams, which recently reached the national student championship final. Vinh directly coached the university's players, focusing on three core tactical themes: attacking, defending, and counter-attacking. These themes may seem basic, but they are the foundation any coach must master. Interestingly, Vinh did not go to Japan on his own. He contacted VFF Technical Director Koshida Takeshi, a Japanese national, for support. Koshida connected him with the JFA and Hokuriku University. This is clear evidence of the strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in football development. Not only VFF but also the JFA offered support. JFA President Miyamoto Tsuneyasu sent congratulations and encouragement, stating that Vinh's presence in Japan is an important bridge. I have seen many Vietnamese players choose the coaching path after retirement, but few dare to step out of their comfort zone like Vinh. He said frankly: 'I chose to study in Japan because the coaching education program here is more advanced, the instructor-to-student ratio is higher, and I have the opportunity to expand relationships.' That statement shows a different mindset – not just learning to get a certificate, but learning to truly understand and apply. Although it is only an internship, the pressure is not small. Vinh must submit coaching reports for evaluation by JFA instructors. If the reports are unsatisfactory, his license timeline could be extended. But in my view, with his international playing experience and support from Koshida, the likelihood of success is high. The lesson from World Cup 2026 taught me that a good former player does not necessarily become a good coach, but if they are humble and willing to learn, they can go far. Vinh is doing exactly that. From a professional perspective, the three themes of attacking, defending, and counter-attacking are appropriate for an A License intern. But I want to emphasize one point: the team he coached – Hokuriku University – just reached the final of the Japanese university championship. That is a truly competitive environment, not a simulated training ground. This gives Vinh the opportunity to test his ability under moderate pressure, even if at the student level. However, I must be honest: this article contains no specific data on the quality of training sessions, drill counts, or player feedback. Therefore, we cannot yet evaluate Vinh's actual coaching level. This is a limitation, but understandable given he is only at the internship stage. Looking back at history, Vinh is one of Vietnam's best strikers with 51 goals for the national team, along with the 2026 AFF Cup title and many other honors. That reputation is a passport, but also a pressure. Fans expect him to become a good coach, even to lead the national team in the future. However, the current article maintains a neutral tone, not raising expectations too high – that is a wise approach. The biggest significance of this story, in my opinion, lies in opening a new path for former Vietnamese players. Instead of relying only on domestic courses, they can seek out developed football nations like Japan to improve their skills. The VFF, with the presence of a Japanese technical director, has facilitated this. If Vinh succeeds, he will become a role model, and we may see many more 'Vinhs' appear. I predict that after receiving his A License in April 2027, Vinh will continue with the Pro License – the highest AFC certificate – possibly also in Japan. If that happens, he could become a strong candidate for the Vietnam national team head coach position after 2028. But that is far in the future. For now, the important thing is that he is on the right track. I also want to share a personal perspective: when I was a commentator, I saw many retired players disappear. They had no plans for the future. Vinh is different. He invests time, money, and effort to learn a new profession. That is not just passion; it is responsibility to Vietnamese football. Regarding international cooperation, the article shows that the JFA values training Vietnamese coaches. President Miyamoto, a former famous player, understands that football diplomacy is a soft but effective tool. Vinh is an unofficial ambassador for this relationship. In conclusion, I want to pose a question for you to ponder: In a few years, when Vinh returns with a Pro License, will we be ready to give him the hot seat of the national team? Or will we still hesitate because he has never led a professional club? The answer lies in what he is doing today – every training session, every report, every small lesson at a distant university in Japan.