Vietnamese Football: From Aspiration to Reality

At My Dinh Stadium that night, the cheers erupted as the 2026 Vietnam Golden Ball was awarded to Nguyen Hoang Duc. I stood in the press area, looking down at the pitch where the tears of young players mingled with the stadium lights. That moment reminded me of another night, eight years ago, when I sat in a recording studio in Miami, rewatching the match between Vietnam U23 and Iraq U23 in Changzhou. I cried, not because of the victory, but because I saw in those tearful eyes a belief I thought I had lost long ago. Vietnamese football is standing at a historic crossroads. After decades of being mired in the shadows of underinvestment and weak management, Vietnamese football has risen to become a formidable force in Southeast Asia. But the biggest question is not how far we have come, but how we will continue. Are recent successes a foundation for a sustainable future, or just fleeting sparks in a picture still full of dark spots? Looking back at the development journey, I notice a structural change taking place. The youth training system, though still flawed, has begun to bear its first fruits. The generation of players born in 2026-2026, with names like Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, Van Hau, has created a golden generation unprecedented in the history of Vietnamese football. They have not only succeeded at the regional level but have also left their mark on the continental stage, making fans dream of a day when Vietnam will appear at the World Cup. But I always remind myself that football does not lie, only contracts know how to stay silent. Behind the resounding victories lies an entire system operating with many gaps. Infrastructure is still lacking in many localities. Compensation for young coaches is not truly attractive. And most importantly, the dependence on a few outstanding individuals is hiding systemic weaknesses. I remember a conversation with a Korean technical director working at a youth training center in Central Vietnam. He told me: "You have talent, but you lack patience. You want immediate results, while football is a long-term process." That statement made me think a lot. We are too focused on immediate achievements while forgetting to build a solid foundation for the future. Look at how leading Asian countries like Japan and South Korea have done it. They not only invest in the national team but also build a comprehensive football ecosystem from the grassroots level. They have well-invested youth academies, professional youth league systems, and well-trained coaching staff. All these factors create a solid foundation for young talents to develop comprehensively. In Vietnam, we have made significant progress. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has made important reforms in youth training. Youth football training centers have been established in many provinces. The National U19 and U21 tournaments have become important playgrounds for young talents to gain experience and develop. However, these efforts are still scattered and lack synchronization. One of the biggest issues I notice is the lack of connection between clubs and the youth training system. Many clubs still view youth training as a burden rather than a strategic investment. They would rather spend money on foreign players than invest in developing domestic players. This leads to a paradox: we have many young talents but lack the environment for them to develop optimally. I also notice another issue: the lack of patience from fans and media. We are too quick to praise a young player after a few good matches, then turn to criticize them when they make mistakes. This creates enormous psychological pressure on young players, making it difficult for them to develop naturally. I have witnessed many young talents being burned out because of excessive expectations from public opinion. But I still believe in the future of Vietnamese football. I believe in the people who are dedicating themselves day and night to the development of our national football. I believe in the passionate young coaches, the ambitious young players, and the silent football workers in remote villages. They are the ones who will create real change. The pitch may change owners, but the nights of losing one's voice calling out names are never for sale. I have lived through the ups and downs of Vietnamese football, from the darkest days to the most glorious moments. And I understand that to build a strong football nation, we need patience, long-term vision, and trust in the process. The new generation watches highlights, but I watch the added time of a person's life. I have witnessed too many young talents being wasted due to lack of investment and poor management. I have witnessed too many dreams being extinguished due to the impatience of those in charge. And I do not want history to repeat itself. Vietnamese football is facing a historic opportunity. We have a talented generation of players, passionate fan support, and investment interest from businesses. But this opportunity will pass if we do not seize it. We need to make the right decisions, have long-term strategies, and be patient in building a solid foundation for the future. I am old, so I only believe what I have witnessed, not what people tell me. And what I have witnessed in recent years makes me believe that Vietnamese football is on the right track. But the road ahead is still long and full of obstacles. We must continue to strive, continue to improve, and continue to believe in the core values of the beautiful game. People remember transfer fees, but I remember the eyes of the captain when signing his last contract. I remember the eyes of young players when they first donned the national team jersey. I remember the eyes of coaches when they saw their students shine on international pitches. These are moments that no contract can buy. Vietnamese football is entering a new era. An era of professionalism, of systematic investment, and of big dreams. But to turn those dreams into reality, we need patience, determination, and trust in the process. We need to build a football nation not only based on outstanding individuals but also on a solid system. An empty stadium, I understand that I am not just reporting – but keeping the breath of a belief alive. And that belief, I trust, will never die. Because Vietnamese football has been, is, and will always be an inseparable part of the hearts of millions of fans. And it is those people, that belief, that will drive us to keep moving forward, overcoming all difficulties, and conquering new heights.