Several Vietnamese U19 stars face a major career turning point

Several U19 Vietnam national team members will get a chance to compete in the top-flight league next season after their club secured promotion.

The 2026 National Second Division has concluded, not only bringing promotion joy to the clubs but also opening new doors for many young Vietnamese U19 talents. The fact that Tre Ha Noi and Hue have earned promotion to the First Division next season helps a host of promising faces access a professional football environment sooner than expected.

The spotlight is on Tre Ha Noi, the team that just defeated Truong Gia Gia Dinh 3-1 in the final to officially secure promotion. This success also marks the return to the professional arena of coach Pham Minh Duc, who has spent many years working in youth development. Under the guidance of this strong-willed coach, a generation of players born between 2005 and 2007 are gradually proving their ability and preparing for bigger challenges.

Notably, Tre Ha Noi's squad includes several players who have worn the national youth team jerseys. Goalkeeper Chu Ba Huan is one of the standout names, having recently participated with the U17 Vietnam team in the AFC U17 Asian Cup and qualified for the youth World Cup. Meanwhile, Dau Hong Phong and Nguyen Thien Phu also gained additional experience by taking part in the ASEAN U19 Championship with the U19 Vietnam team.

Regular playing time in the First Division is seen as an important stepping stone for the development of these young talents. Compared to youth tournaments, the professional environment requires players to adapt to higher intensity, greater performance pressure, and fiercer competition. This is exactly the opportunity for young players to refine their skills, strengthen their mentality, and accumulate real-match experience.

Besides Tre Ha Noi, Hue also brought positive signals by earning promotion to the First Division. In the squad of this ancient capital team, Hoang Cong Hau is a name that receives special attention. The forward under contract with The Cong Viettel has left a mark in the U19 Vietnam jersey thanks to his diverse scoring ability and highly unpredictable playing style. His impressive performances have raised expectations that he will continue to make a breakthrough in the upcoming season.

The appearance of many U19 Vietnam players in the 2026/27 First Division season is a promising sign for Vietnamese football. Given the opportunity to play professionally early, young players will have conditions for more comprehensive development, thereby creating quality resources for clubs as well as national teams in the future.