The star-studded Vietnam U23 squad has become a valuable asset helping the V-League flourish.
The remarkable development of the U23 players at the 2026 Asian Championship is creating a new lease of life for the domestic league, especially at Ninh Binh FC and Hanoi Police FC.
The impressive performance of the Vietnam U23 team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship promises to create a new wave of energy for the domestic V-League. Following convincing performances against top continental opponents, the young stars under coach Kim Sang-sik are becoming a crucial resource for strengthening their clubs, especially Ninh Binh FC and Hanoi Police FC.
Ninh Binh Club and the 'motive' from bright gems
It can be affirmed that Ninh Binh FC is the team that has benefited the most from the success of the Vietnam U23 team. The team from the ancient capital of Hoa Lu has made ambitious transfer deals, bringing in the talented trio of Van Thuan, Thai Son, and Ngoc My. The maturity of this group of players after their continental journey has transformed them into key elements in coach Gerard Albaladejo's tactical scheme.
Facing taller opponents from West Asia helped Thai Son and his teammates accumulate impressive battlefield experience. In Ninh Binh, if Hoang Duc acted as the "brain" regulating the tempo, then young players like Thai Son and Le Phat were the "engines" that made the game more fluid. Thai Son's ability to escape pressing and Le Phat's daring dribbling became sharp tactical options that helped Ninh Binh maintain its leading position.
In addition, names like Quoc Viet and the group of players from the PVF-CAND academy including Hieu Minh, Thanh Nhan, and Xuan Bac also bring great confidence. This is the springboard that helps the team not only have strong squad depth but also possess players capable of turning the tide of a match.
A combination of two generations at the Hanoi Police Club.
Meanwhile, Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) possesses considerable strength thanks to the synergy between two generations of outstanding players. Fans are witnessing the combination of heroes from Changzhou 2018 such as Quang Hai, Van Duc, and Dinh Trong with new stars of 2026 such as Dinh Bac, Ly Duc, and Minh Phuc.
Under the guidance of coach Alexandre Polking, the young players have shown remarkable progress in tactical thinking and physical fitness after gaining experience in Asian competitions. Dinh Bac is increasingly perfecting his finishing ability, promising to bring diverse attacking options. In defense, Ly Duc's tenacity and ability to read the game are creating fair competition with senior players like Viet Anh and Dinh Trong.
Notably, the presence of the U23 stars also brings significant brand value to CAHN Club. Matches at Hang Day Stadium attract larger crowds, creating an important foundation for commercial exploitation and moving towards a sustainable professionalization model for Vietnamese football.
Expectations for a new chapter in the domestic league.
Looking back at 2018, after the miracle in Changzhou, players like Quang Hai, Van Hau, and Duy Manh returned and helped Hanoi FC dominate the V-League. This scenario has a chance to repeat itself with the 2026 generation. The fact that clubs dare to place their faith in youth, allowing U23 players to play regularly, is a positive sign for Vietnamese football.
The success of the national team helps players improve, thereby strengthening their clubs, and conversely, the clubs will provide quality players for the national team. With their proven abilities, the U23 Vietnam stars of the 2026 generation are facing a great opportunity to create spectacular upsets in the race for the V-League championship.
