The U23 Vietnamese midfielder officially makes history

Midfielder Xuân Bắc is the first player originating from Phú Thọ to take part in an international competition right on his home ground.

For the first time ever, a player from Phú Thọ will appear in an official international tournament at Việt Trì Stadium. This is midfielder Nguyễn Xuân Bắc of the U23 Vietnam team, who is preparing with his teammates for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers – Group C.

Back in 2020, forward Hà Đức Chinh wore the national team jersey in an internal friendly match between the senior national team and U23 Vietnam at Việt Trì stadium; now, fans from Đất Tổ will get to directly witness a hometown player competing in a major continental tournament.

Sharing his special feelings, Xuân Bắc said:“This is my first time playing in my hometown. I hope the fans will come to support not only me but the whole team so we can achieve the best results. I left home at a young age, so people in my hometown mostly supported me through TV broadcasts. Now that I’m playing in Phú Thọ, my family and neighbors can come to cheer in person, which will be a huge motivation for me. I am very proud of my homeland, Phú Thọ.”.

Nguyễn Xuân Bắc’s presence in the U23 Vietnam jersey at Việt Trì is not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for Phú Thọ supporters. The stands filled with passionate red cheers will inspire Xuân Bắc and his teammates to shine and create unforgettable memories right in their homeland.

His impressive performance at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship earned him a spot in the tournament’s Best XI, making him the only central midfielder from U23 Vietnam included in this lineup.

With confidence, a strong desire to contribute, and support from hometown fans, Nguyễn Xuân Bắc is poised to make a remarkable mark in his career while bringing joy and pride to Vietnamese football at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.