Emergence of the 'Domestic Scoring King' in V-League 2025/26

With 6 goals and explosive form in recent rounds, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong is emerging as an impressive player in this season's V-League, becoming a standout for Becamex TP.HCM in the relegation battle.

In a season where many domestic strikers have disappointed, the rise ofViet Cuongbrings a fresh and positive feeling.

Few would have thought that the player once considered only a replacement for Tien Linh is now becoming the spearhead of the attack for the Thủ-based club.

But football always has room for surprises, and Viet Cuong is showing he is having the most impressive journey since joining the V-League in 2019.

The difference ofViet Cuonglies in decisiveness. In the two most recent rounds, the 26-year-old player scored goals at the team's first clear opportunity.

That is not just goal-scoring instinct, but also confidence, something many domestic forwards lack. The neat handling, quick and powerful finishing shots show a very modern style.

The most noticeable strength of Viet Cuongis shot power. His strikes possess a rare force among domestic forwards, combined with good speed making Cuong a constant threat in counter-attack situations. Not a flashy striker model, but Viet Cuong's effectiveness comes from simplicity and directness, something very needed in a competitive environment like the V-League.

In the context where Becamex TP.HCM's attack faces many problems, Viet Cuong's role becomes even more prominent. When Nguyen Tien Linh left, Bui Vi Hao injured and not regaining form, and foreign players declining in performance, Viet Cuong is almost the only reliable choice. 6 goals after 16 appearances, double the number of his senior who moved to Ho Chi Minh City Police Club at the start of this season, Nguyen Tien Linh, is proof of remarkable maturity.

At 26, Viet Cuong is entering the mature phase of his career. This is the time when playing experience, physical fitness, and mentality reach balance. Compared to last season, when he scored only two modest goals, this season is a real leap.

Three goals in the two most recent matches further show stability, the ability to deliver, a decisive factor for a striker to reach higher levels. The context helping Viet Cuong flourish cannot be ignored. Becamex TP.HCM, though not a strong team, creates an environment forcing individuals to stand up.

With 20 points after round 20, Becamex TP.HCM ranks 11th and is only 7 points above the danger zone. That is a sufficient gap for the team to have some confidence in the relegation battle. In that journey, each goal by Viet Cuong carries the meaning of a pillar.

Many Becamex TP.HCM fans expect Viet Cuong can go further. Based on his performance, his recent call-up to the Vietnam national team by coach Kim Sang Sik is fully deserved. The Vietnam national team needs energetic and decisive forwards, qualities Viet Cuong possesses.

Of course, the road ahead is not easy. Maintaining form is always harder than exploding in a short period. But if he keeps focus and continues improving skills, Viet Cuong can definitely become one of the most watchable domestic forwards in the V-League in the coming years.