Khong Minh Gia Bao: new discovery of Vietnam team

Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision to call up Khong Minh Gia Bao came from a clear criterion: energy, fighting spirit and stability in playing in V.League. The central defender born in 2000, 1m75 tall, does not possess a typical body for the central defender position, but in return is the ability to read situations, stick to the opponent and have an uncompromising spirit.

The road is not paved with roses

Born in Hanoi, trained at the People's Public Security Academy, Gia Bao went through a long journey through the First Division playing for Ninh Binh and Phu Dong Ninh Binh. There was a time when he thought about leaving the field, but persistent training and the desire to prove himself kept him there. The turning point came in the 2024/25 season when he moved to Quang Nam.

With 20 appearances in V.League, Gia Bao has created the image of a central defender who knows how to stand in the right place, read the ball trajectory well and proactively make contact. That is the foundation that helps him overcome the physical barrier.

Role in Quang Nam and progress in Ho Chi Minh City Police

Under the guidance of coach Van Sy Son, Gia Bao was given a regular starting position and gradually asserted himself. After Quang Nam was dissolved, he received many invitations but chose CA TP.HCM at the call of coach Le Huynh Duc. That decision quickly proved correct: Gia Bao started 9/10 matches at the beginning of the season, including 8 matches playing the full 90 minutes, contributing to strengthening a defense that played more stably than last season.

His aggressive – sometimes borderline – style of play has earned him four yellow cards in nine games, a tally that reflects the intensity and willingness to intervene early on from a proactive centre-back.

Limited physical shape, compensate with thinking and spirit

Gia Bao is only 1m75 tall – a modest level for a modern central defender – but he makes up for it with concentration and determination in every fight. Coach Van Sy Son's comments summarize his professional portrait: "Gia Bao's physique is not ideal, but he is an intelligent player, always playing with alertness and passion. He is not afraid of collisions, always ready to confront strong foreign strikers. Fighting spirit is Gia Bao's strongest point."

When placed in the context of V.League, a central defender who can read situations, stick close to the opponent and is not afraid of direct confrontation is a rare value, especially when having to handle early situations instead of waiting for support.

Meaning for Vietnam team under coach Kim Sang Sik

Being named in the national team is a reward for Gia Bao's perseverance. In a context where experienced central defenders like Duy Manh, Tien Dung or Thanh Chung are affected by age and injury, a young and energetic name like Gia Bao brings a breath of fresh air to the defense.

At the national team level, the criteria will be more stringent. But if he can reproduce what he has shown at the club – from physical endurance, defensive organization to decisiveness in disputes – Gia Bao has the opportunity to win trust, first as a valuable backup plan, and further as an important link for the future.

Selected data highlights

• 20 appearances in V.League.
• Started 9/10 matches at the beginning of the season with CA TP.HCM, played the full 90 minutes in 8 matches.
• 4 yellow cards after 9 matches.
• 1m75 tall

This call-up is an opportunity, but also a measure for a central defender who has grown up through hardship. If he maintains his composure and intensity like in the V.League, Khong Minh Gia Bao has enough reason to stay and compete fairly in the defense of the Vietnam national team.

CTVX