OFFICIAL: The tallest defender in history has been called up to the Vietnam National Team

Dinh Quang Kiet - the tallest central defender in the history of the Vietnam national team - has been listed by head coach Kim Sang Sik in the squad summons.

Dinh Quang Kiet continues to receive great trust from coach Kim Sang Sik as he is included in the list of 28 players called up to the Vietnam national team in preparation for international friendlies and the ASEAN Cup 2026. This is a well-deserved reward for the young HAGL defender following his impressive performances for the club in the V.League recently.

Quang Kiet's inclusion in the national team training camp once again highlights the exceptional potential of the player born in 2007. Previously, he drew attention when called up to the Vietnam national team despite lacking extensive experience at higher youth team levels. Being given opportunities repeatedly reflects the coaching staff's very high regard for this central defender.

However, despite being called up to the Vietnam national team, Dinh Quang Kiet was not named in the U19 Vietnam squad for the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship in Indonesia. The reason is not due to his national team duties, but because he is still fulfilling his obligations with HAGL during the final phase of the 2025/26 V.League season. This is a common situation for many young players currently competing professionally in domestic leagues.

Besides Quang Kiet, U19 Vietnam is also missing several other notable faces such as HAGL striker Tran Gia Bao and Ninh Binh forward Nguyen Le Phat. These players are all considered key members of Vietnam's youth teams but cannot fully assemble due to their schedules with their respective clubs.

Dinh Quang Kiet is currently one of the most promising young central defenders in Vietnamese football. Standing at an impressive 1m95, he is regarded as the tallest central defender ever to appear across Vietnam's youth national teams. Not only is he outstanding in terms of physique, but the HAGL player also impresses with solid defensive skills, strong tackling, and confidence in building play from the back.

Not being able to participate in the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship is certainly a pity for Quang Kiet as well as for U19 Vietnam. Nevertheless, what this defender has shown in the V.League and his call-up to the Vietnam national team indicate that he is on the right track in his career development. With his current potential, Quang Kiet is expected to soon become an important figure for Vietnamese football in the future.