Three talented female footballers born in 2002 from Vietnam

The female players born in 2002 are becoming a new pillar in the Vietnam women's national football team’s youth revitalization strategy, injecting youthful energy, fierce competitiveness, and expectations to inherit achievements from their predecessors.

A strong breeze of youth is sweeping through the rebuilding journey of the Vietnam women's national football team. Among this wave, the group born in 2002 – the Year of the Horse – stands out as a promising next generation. They have been professionally trained, exposed early to top-level competition, and carry a strong desire to prove themselves. Their arrival refreshes the team’s composition and lays a foundation for the long-term goals of Vietnamese women's football.

Among the standout faces, Nguyễn Thị Kim Yên attracts special attention for making history by scoring the fastest goal in the 2024/25 AFC Women’s Champions League while playing for TP.HCM I club. Her ability to operate widely, energetic style, and confident playing spirit quickly caught the coaching staff’s eye. Being given opportunities in major competitions like the SEA Games further confirms the rising status of this young midfielder.

Trần Thị Thu Xuân is a resilient and energetic player. Developed in the Than Khoáng Sản Việt Nam academy, she was called up to the national team as early as 2021 and participated in the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup. Those experiences helped Thu Xuân improve rapidly, especially in contesting possession and reading the game. Besides playing on the 11-a-side field, she also tried futsal, demonstrating notable versatility.

Another fresh element is Ashley Trâm Anh. Raised and developed in the United States, she played for Gonzaga University before returning to Vietnam to join TP.HCM I club and compete at the continental level. Despite her modest stature, Trâm Anh stands out with skillful technique, modern tactical thinking, and quick adaptability.

A common trait among these Year of the Horse players is their confidence on the big stage. They no longer feel shy but are ready to challenge their senior teammates for positions. With each match and tournament, their experience grows, helping this generation develop both professionally and mentally.

In the context of accelerated youth development, the role of the 2002 generation becomes even more crucial. From Kim Yên to Thu Xuân and Trâm Anh, each has their own development story but shares the common goal of making a long-term contribution to the national team. If they continue progressing, they can become new pillars, continuing the advancement of Vietnamese women's football on the continental stage.

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