Vietnamese Football’s Horse Year Squad: Who Stands Out the Most?

Vietnamese football is witnessing a strong rise of the 2002-born generation, the “Horse Year” group expected to carry the future of the nation’s football.

In the “Horse Year” squad’s goalkeeping position, Nguyễn Văn Việt (Thể Công Viettel) is the standout choice. The goalkeeper developed at Sông Lam Nghệ An academy joined Thể Công Viettel before the 2025/26 season. At just 23 years old, Văn Việt was captain of SLNA at the age of 21. He won the 2017 U15 Southeast Asia Championship, the U23 Southeast Asia title, and was called up by coach Philippe Troussier to the national team in 2023 to gain international experience.

Giáp Tuấn Dương (CAHN) is a model of perseverance and discipline, rising through the ranks at the Hanoi Police academy. He progressed from U13, U17 to winning the 2022 First Division and played a key role in CAHN’s promotion to V.League. At 23, Tuấn Dương has represented all national team levels and recently extended his contract with CAHN until 2028.

Vũ Tiến Long (Hà Nội FC) is an energetic right-back who won the 31st SEA Games and the 2022 U23 Southeast Asia Championship. He impressed at the 2022 U23 Asian Cup with his all-around attacking and defensive skills but is currently recovering from a ligament injury sustained while on loan at Quảng Nam.

Huỳnh Tuấn Vũ (HAGL) is a talented young player from the HAGL-JMG Academy (class 3), born in 2002, known for his individual technique and often compared to Công Phượng, nicknamed the “Messi of Phú Yên.” He has played as a forward and featured in HAGL’s U17 and U19 youth teams.

La Nguyễn Bảo Trung (Ninh Bình FC) stands out for his beautiful goals from free kicks. The 2002-born midfielder is gradually becoming a key creative option thanks to his energy and skillful technique.

Hoàng Vĩnh Nguyên (HAGL) is notable for having joined Cadiz (Spain). The left-footed midfielder is dubbed the “new Xuân Trường” due to his tactical vision and passing ability. He currently plays in V.League for HAGL and was called up by coach Troussier to the U23 Vietnam squad for the 2023 Doha Cup.

Ngô Đức Hoàng (Hà Nội FC) is a product of Hà Nội FC’s academy, having won the 2022 V.League and the 2022 U23 Southeast Asia Championship. Despite loan spells at Phù Đổng and PVF-CAND, he remains consistent, with good physicality (1.77m) and a Transfermarkt valuation of 25,000 euros.

Phan Bá Quyền (SLNA) is a defensive midfielder and versatile defender who plays quietly but effectively. He was a key player helping SLNA avoid relegation in the 2023/24 season with 16 starts, though he now faces tougher competition this new season.

Nguyễn Duy Tâm (HAGL) is known for his individual skills, free-kick ability, and creativity. Graduated from HAGL JMG class 4, he signed a professional contract with the mountain town club in 2025 and promises to be a player to watch in the future.

Võ Nguyên Hoàng (SHB Đà Nẵng) recently joined the Han River club amid their struggle near the bottom of the table. The former U23 Vietnam striker, developed at PVF, won the 2022 U23 Southeast Asia Championship and was named the best U17 national player in 2018–2019.

Phạm Đình Duy (SHB Đà Nẵng) is a “clinical opportunist,” once called up by coach Park Hang-seo to the national team. In the 2024/25 season, Đình Duy scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists for the Han River club.