Vietnam’s football scene has reached new heights in 2025, blending homegrown talent with strategic naturalization to create a golden generation. From record-breaking strikers to versatile defenders, Vietnamese players are making waves both domestically and internationally. Here’s a deep dive into the 10 best Vietnamese soccer stars lighting up the global stage this year.
1. Nguyễn Xuân Son (Striker, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC)
Key Stats: 7 goals in 5 matches at the 2024 ASEAN Cup; 31 goals in the 2023–24 V-League (record).
Nguyễn Xuân Son, a naturalized Brazilian-born striker, redefined Vietnamese football in 2024–2025. After gaining citizenship, he became the first naturalized player to represent Vietnam, scoring twice on his debut against Myanmar. His dominance continued in the ASEAN Cup, where he netted 7 goals in 5 games, including a brace in the final’s first leg against Thailand. A heartbreaking leg fracture during the final’s second leg sidelined him for 8 months, but he still claimed the tournament’s MVP and Top Scorer awards. Son’s 2023–24 V-League Golden Boot (31 goals) broke a 28-year record, cementing his status as Vietnam’s most lethal striker.
2. Jason Quang Vinh Pendant (Left-Back, CAHN)
Key Stats: 4 clean sheets in 6 V-League appearances (2024–25); former France U18 international.
Born to a French father and Vietnamese mother, Jason Quang Vinh brings European flair to Vietnam’s defense. After stints with Sochaux (France) and the New York Red Bulls (MLS), he joined CAHN in 2024. Known for his speed and crossing accuracy, Jason is set to fill the void left by injured star Doan Van Hau. His naturalization process, nearing completion, positions him as a key player for Vietnam’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Coach Kim Sang-sik praised his “balance of defense and attack,” comparing him to legendary left-back Đoàn Văn Hậu.
3. Nguyễn Hải Long (Midfielder, Hà Nội FC)
Key Stats: 3 goals in the 2024 ASEAN Cup; 2022 SEA Games gold medalist.
A creative midfielder with a knack for clutch goals, Hải Long scored the decisive strike in Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup final victory over Thailand. His journey from Quảng Ninh’s youth academy to Hà Nội FC’s starting XI showcases his resilience. Despite his slight build (1.68m), his technical precision and vision earned him a spot in the ASEAN Cup’s Best XI. In 2022, he helped Hà Nội FC secure a domestic treble (V-League, National Cup, Super Cup).
4. Lê Đình Long Vũ (Midfielder, PVF-CAND Academy)
Key Stats: Named among The Guardian’s top 60 young talents (2023).
At just 17, Lê Đình Long Vũ is Vietnam’s brightest prospect. Trained at the PVF Academy (Asia’s top youth facility), his dribbling and playmaking drew comparisons to Đỗ Hùng Dũng. His inclusion in The Guardian’s list highlighted his potential to become Vietnam’s first global superstar. Scouts from European clubs are already tracking his progress.
5. Viktor Le (Midfielder, Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC)
Key Stats: 4 assists in the 2024–25 V-League; CSKA Moscow academy graduate.
Born to a Vietnamese father and Russian mother, Viktor Le combines Eastern discipline with European technicality. After training at CSKA Moscow, he joined Ha Tinh FC in 2023. His adaptability in midfield and defense caught Coach Kim Sang-sik’s eye, earning him a national team call-up. “I want to make my father proud by wearing Vietnam’s jersey,” he said in a recent interview.
6. Kyle Colonna (Center-Back, Hà Nội FC)
Key Stats: 89% tackle success rate (2024–25); 2024 V-League champion.
Hà Nội FC’s defensive rock, Kyle Colonna, anchored the team to a 2024 V-League title. The 1.88m defender, of mixed Vietnamese-Italian heritage, reads the game like a veteran. His signing overshadowed high-profile teammates like Keziah Veendorp, proving his worth with consistent performances.
7. Phan Tuấn Tài (Left-Back, Đồng Tháp FC)
Key Stats: 18 national team caps; 2022 ASEAN U23 Champion.
A tireless defender, Tuấn Tài rose through Đồng Tháp’s ranks to become a national team regular. His overlapping runs and defensive grit helped Vietnam secure bronze at the 2023 SEA Games. Though briefly sidelined under Coach Kim, his 2025 form has reignited calls for his return.
8. Quan Văn Chuẩn (Goalkeeper, Hà Nội FC)
Key Stats: 12 clean sheets in 2023–24; 2022 ASEAN U23 Best Goalkeeper.
Quan Văn Chuẩn’s reflexes and composure make him Vietnam’s safest hands. After winning gold at the 2022 SEA Games, he became Hà Nội FC’s first-choice keeper. His rivalry with Đặng Văn Lâm pushes both to new heights, with fans dubbing them the “Vietnamese Buffon and Neuer.”
9. Nguyễn Thanh Bình (Midfielder, Thể Công – Viettel FC)
Key Stats: 10 national team caps; 2022 World Cup Qualifier goal vs. Japan.
A midfield engine, Thanh Bình announced himself by scoring against Japan in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. His physicality and work rate mirror Park Ji-sung’s style. Now 25, he’s entering his prime, aiming to lead Vietnam’s midfield at the 2027 Asian Cup.
10. Nhâm Mạnh Dũng (Striker/Center-Back, Thể Công – Viettel FC)
Key Stats: 15 goals in 2023–24; 2023 SEA Games bronze medalist.
Dũng’s versatility shines—he’s a striker turned center-back with a golden touch. Standing 1.81m, he combines aerial prowess with clinical finishing. His 2017 U17 Golden Boot win hinted at greatness, now realized with consistent club and national team performances.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s 2025 squad blends youthful energy and seasoned skill, driven by naturalized stars like Nguyễn Xuân Son and homegrown heroes like Nguyễn Hải Long. With rising talents like Lê Đình Long Vũ and strategic additions like Jason Quang Vinh, Vietnamese football is poised for global recognition. Whether in Southeast Asian tournaments or on the world stage, these players embody the nation’s passion and progress in the beautiful game.