Vietnam National Team's Strongest Lineup in 2025

Blending seasoned veterans with young talent, the typical squad of Vietnam's national team in 2025 includes numerous remarkable figures.

Goalkeeper: Nguyễn Đình Triệu

Đình Triệu is the most prominent name guarding the goalposts for Vietnam's national team in 2025. Early in the year, he was awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the AFF Cup (ASEAN Cup 2024), playing a crucial role in Vietnam’s championship victory. His consistent performances in the V-League (many clean sheets and outstanding saves) earned him the rightful position as the number one goalkeeper of the national team this year.

Center Backs: Tiến Dũng - Duy Mạnh - Nhật Minh

Bùi Tiến Dũng serves as captain and an indispensable pillar of Viettel Army FC with solid defense and extensive experience. In 2025, he continues to lead the defense effectively, supports attacks from the backline, and maintains strong form in the V-League.

Đỗ Duy Mạnh, a longtime teammate of Bùi Tiến Dũng, provides stability, excellent game reading, and reliable ball control. He is frequently called up, helping to balance the three-man defense.

Though small in stature, Nhật Minh stands out with his defensive skills and exceptional ball progression. Coach Kim trusts him on the left side, especially after youth tournaments and U23 training camps leading to the senior team.

Fullbacks: Trương Tiến Anh - Cao Pendant Quang Vinh

With Văn Thanh injured, Trương Tiến Anh is the most viable option at right back, offering speed, good crossing ability, and solid attacking and defensive transitions. Coach Kim can rotate him with Xuân Mạnh to keep the lineup fresh.

On the left flank, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh is the first choice. His high-level performances in the V-League, confidence on the pitch, remarkable speed, and stamina bring new energy to Vietnam's left side in recent matches.

Midfielders: Hoàng Đức - Lê Phạm Thành Long

In 2025, Hoàng Đức continues to play the key "playmaker" role with sharp passing and tactical vision. He acts as the link between defense and attack, is regularly called up, and contributes significantly to the team's possession-based style.

With Ngọc Tân injured, Lê Phạm Thành Long is Coach Kim’s pick as a midfielder with a similar style to partner Hoàng Đức. Thành Long has good strength, solid technique, effective pressing, and fits well with the team’s philosophy.

Forwards: Quang Hải - Xuân Son - Đình Bắc

Up front, Quang Hải operates on the right wing or roams wide to connect plays. In 2025, he has made a strong comeback with excellent technique, versatile assists and goals, bringing class and creativity to the attack.

Meanwhile, Xuân Son has had an unforgettable year with the Vietnam national team. Before his injury, he scored a brace against Thailand in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final. By the end of the year, Xuân Son returned and continued to make an impact by scoring against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

After the Southeast Asian U23 Championship finals and the U23 Asian qualifiers, Đình Bắc rightfully earned a spot in Vietnam’s national team best lineup of 2025. He is a game-changer on the left wing with speed, skill, and sharp finishing.