Surpassing a series of legends, the U23 star makes history in Vietnamese football

With the 2026 U23 Asian Bronze Medal, Khuất Văn Khang officially becomes the only player in history to hold all four Southeast Asian championships at every national team level.

Concluding the journey at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, Khuất Văn Khang not only confirmed his status as a major star but also set milestones that earned respect from experts. The midfielder, affiliated with Thể Công - Viettel, is currently the most decorated player in domestic football history, boasting a complete collection of titles from youth to the national team.

Khuất Văn Khang's most remarkable record is owning the full set of four Southeast Asian championships spanning U15, U19, U23 to the senior national team (AFF Cup 2024). Additionally, he added to his accolades a precious SEA Games Gold Medal won in Thailand. This achievement is something even the legendary figures of Vietnamese football had never attained before.

Not stopping there, Văn Khang also made history as the first and only Vietnamese player to participate in three consecutive U23 Asian Championships (2022, 2024, 2026). Notably, during all three appearances, he helped his team advance beyond the group stage, reach the quarterfinals, and ultimately break into the top 4 teams in Asia in 2026.

In the eyes of coaches from Park Hang-seo to Kim Sang-sik, Văn Khang is a rare player due to his incredible versatility. In the 2026 tournament, he played four different roles on the tactical board: from winger, fullback to even center back.

The most impressive moment demonstrating the U23 Vietnam captain’s dedication was the third-place match against U23 South Korea. When the defense was devastated by injuries, Văn Khang dropped back to play center back. Despite being physically disadvantaged, he discouraged opponents with his precise anticipation and fearless playing style to protect the team’s result.

Besides his technical skills, Văn Khang also showed leadership through his remarkable composure. The image of him stopping teammate Minh Phúc from taking off his shirt in celebration during the quarterfinal to avoid an unnecessary card revealed a "cool head" amid the most emotional moments.

After 9 years with various national team levels, Khuất Văn Khang has never played a "supporting role." He has always been the main figure, symbolizing the persistence and courage of the new generation of players, ready to carry the responsibility of Vietnamese football on the continental stage.