'Golden Season' of CAHN FC and CA TPHCM

The 2025/26 campaign ended with a very special scene in Vietnamese football, where the top two club honors were both claimed by representatives donning the police colors.

While CAHN FC conquered the V-League with overwhelming strength to claim the championship, CA TPHCM FC wrote an emotional story by winning the National Cup. This represents not only a triumph in terms of trophies, but also the results of substantial investment and high ambition from both clubs on their journey to rise to prominence.

CAHN's V-League title can be regarded as one of the most convincing coronations in the league's history. Coach Alexandre Polking's team finished the season with 64 points after 26 rounds, equaling the points record set by Hanoi FC in 2018. More importantly, Quang Hai and his teammates created a huge gap from the chasing pack, essentially deciding the title race very early on.

The past season saw CAHN dominate nearly every individual category. Quang Hai won the Best Player of the Season award, Dinh Bac was named Best Young Player, Alan Grafite secured the Golden Boot, while Van Hau claimed the Best Goal of the Season. Coach Polking was also honored as the Best Coach. It was a season where the champions' imprint was everywhere.

However, what is even more noteworthy is that CAHN does not intend to stop at domestic success. The club's leadership has clearly set the next goal of conquering the AFC Champions League Elite. After the costly lessons learned on the continental stage last season, they understand that the domestic championship is merely a foundation for even greater challenges ahead.

If CAHN represents dominance, then CA TPHCM symbolizes an emotional revival. Few expected that a team which had just revived the traditional brand of city football could reach the top of the National Cup in its very first season.

But the journey led by Coach Phung Thanh Phuong is proof that football always holds fascinating stories. The 2-1 victory over Ninh Binh in the away final showcased the remarkable resilience of CA TPHCM.

The southern club does not possess the most expensive squad in the league, but it is a cohesive, disciplined unit that knows how to shine at decisive moments.

In particular, the emergence of promising young talents like Lee Williams has opened up much hope. The overseas Vietnamese striker, born in 2007, scored 8 goals across all competitions, becoming an exciting discovery of the season. Alongside him are goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik, with a series of crucial saves, and Khoa Ngo, who was called up to the Vietnam national team by Coach Kim Sang Sik.

Finishing in the top five of the V-League and winning the National Cup is an achievement beyond expectations for CA TPHCM. More importantly, this title secures the team managed by Coach Phung Thanh Phuong a spot in the 2026/27 ASEAN Club Championship, providing an opportunity to make a name on the regional stage.

For southern football, CA TPHCM's championship carries great spiritual significance. Since Becamex Binh Duong won the National Cup in 2018, southern fans have waited quite a while to see a representative from their region reach the top. As a result, this team will continue to receive investment in the coming period, aiming to conquer the regional club scene and perform better in the domestic 2026/27 season.