Expert Doan Minh Xuong: 'V-League is not as exciting as expected'

17/09/2025 15:07:00 SportScoop

Expert Doan Minh Xuong believes that the future of football must be based on a professional league system strong in both quality and quantity.

* Sports & Culture: After a break for FIFA Days, V-League will resume this weekend. What are your views on the season’s build-up?

- Expert Doan Minh Xuong: Objectively, the early phase of the V-League has brought some surprises and unfamiliar elements, but overall it hasn’t been very satisfying or met expectations. It was expected that the momentum from the performances of the men’s, women’s, and U23 national teams since the start of the year would inject more excitement into the professional league, but apparently things have not gone as hoped.

The defending champions Nam Dinh, CAHN, Viettel Army, Hanoi FC, and Ninh Binh are considered the top contenders for the V-League title this season, but after just a few rounds, the Nam Dinh team appears to be struggling due to their heavy commitments on multiple "fronts". Hanoi FC has also had a poor start that did not meet expectations.

Unlike the inconsistent form of Nam Dinh and the decline of former champions Hanoi FC, CAHN has performed well since the start despite facing a dense schedule. Foreign players have consistently stood out, while domestic and naturalized players have always given their best, helping CAHN maintain stable form in the competitions they participate in.

Ninh Binh Club has become a special phenomenon. Strong investment in the squad, from quality foreign players to notable domestic signings, has helped the rookie team quickly integrate into the competition. Without needing much time to adapt, Ninh Binh started the season with an impressive winning streak, creating a strong boost both in terms of skill and morale.

Expert Doan Minh Xuong

However, the biggest challenge will truly appear when they face Nam Dinh in round 4. On one side is a newcomer, while on the other is a genuine "giant" with two consecutive V-League championships. This will be a true "test" to examine Ninh Binh’s real ability as well as verify their ambitions in their first V-League season.

* So, to "fuel" the V-League, must the participants themselves be the ones to "ignite the flames" on the fields?

- Each round causes intense "shocks" for every team regardless of their goals. The challenge is how to gradually improve the V-League with fierce competition. Only then will it bring good news for Vietnamese football, as domestic leagues build a solid foundation for the national team. Clearly, for any football system, the professional league is the foundation and springboard that must be firmly strengthened. We all know that to have a strong national team, the "backbone" of football—the national championship—must be of quality.

There is no other way; those involved in professional football must show the audience a spirit of overcoming difficulties, a professional attitude, dedication, and honesty. They must prove their commitment to raising the level of the V-League and the First Division. Only then will fans share, understand, and come to support. Of course, sponsors will also trust and accompany them.

* It is noticeable that the wave of overseas Vietnamese players returning to the V-League is growing, and clubs are naturalizing more qualified foreign players. What is your opinion on this trend?

- After 25 years of professionalization, the use of foreign players and changes in their numbers show that Vietnamese football is undergoing positive changes, attracting quality players from many different countries to compete.

As football develops increasingly commercially, such changes are understandable and necessary to keep pace with the global football landscape. Importantly, these changes are needed and appropriate to enhance the league’s appeal.

It cannot be denied that quality players have come to the V-League, but gradually, instead of just contributing to raising the level, many clubs have come to rely on foreign players as a backbone, leading to dependence on foreign elements in their playing style. This has sparked debates about foreign players taking playing opportunities away from young domestic players.

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