Damian Vu Thanh An makes his first start in V.League Round 11.

After disappearing from the matchday squad for seven consecutive games, Damian Vu Thanh An made a decisive return: he was named in the starting lineup of The Cong Viettel in Round 11 of the V.League 2025/26 against PVF - CAND. This was the first time the Vietnamese-Polish player had started since joining the military team, following his explosive debut in Round 2 when he scored just two minutes after coming on as a substitute against Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Round 11 of V.League 2025/26: A turning point for Damian Vu Thanh An

Starting the match was a huge boost for the 2003-born player, who had made an immediate impression in round 2 but then didn't get any more playing time and was even left out of the squad for 7 consecutive matches in all competitions. The change in round 11 shows that opportunities have opened up again, right at a time when The Cong Viettel needs more personnel options in midfield and attack.

Coach Popov's decision and the adaptation process.

According to internal sources, coach Popov proactively gave Damian Vu Thanh An more time to acclimatize to the Vietnamese football environment, where the intensity of play, pitch conditions, and style of play differ from Europe. The coaching staff's patience was demonstrated by giving him a starting opportunity in round 11, as an important test for the young player's integration process.

Professional profile of Damian Vu Thanh An

Damian is of Vietnamese and Polish descent, stands 1.83m tall, and can play both as a midfielder and a forward. Before returning to Vietnam, he grew up at Olimpia Grudziądz, played in the Polish fourth division, and was loaned to Stal Brzeg. His training in Europe helped him develop a strong technical and tactical foundation – a basis for his potential contribution when given the opportunity.

Significance for The Cong Viettel and the road ahead.

The match against PVF - CAND was more than just a simple lineup selection. It was also a test for The Cong Viettel to assess the integration of a new player, and to open up hope for a resurgence for a player who made a strong impression in his V.League debut. If he seizes this opportunity, it could be a turning point in Damian's development in the domestic professional football environment.

Key milestones

• First start: Round 11 of V.League 2025/26, PVF - CAND match.
• He scored a goal just two minutes after coming on as a substitute in Round 2 (the match against Ho Chi Minh City Police).
• He was not included in the squad list for 7 consecutive matches before round 11.
• The player, born in 2003, is 1.83 m tall and can play both as a midfielder and a forward.
• He grew up in Olimpia Grudziądz; he previously played in the Polish fourth division and was loaned to Stal Brzeg.

The opportunity has arrived; the rest depends on how Damian translates the foundation he has built into concrete contributions for The Cong Viettel in the remainder of the season.