Dinh Bac's spectacular goal leads the poll for the best goal of the U23 Asian Championship.
Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac is currently leading with 67.7% of the votes for his goal against the UAE U23 team, far ahead of his opponent Xiang Yuwang before the voting closes.
Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac is facing a great opportunity to complete a double of individual awards at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. After winning the Most Popular Player award, the Vietnam U23 star continues to lead the race for the Best Goal of the Knockout Round with an overwhelming number of votes on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website.
A moment of brilliance in the quarter-final match.
Dinh Bac's goal was scored in the dramatic quarter-final match against the UAE U23 team. From a pass by Pham Minh Phuc, the 2004-born striker executed a delicate backward header, sending the ball in a perfect curve into the far corner of the net. This goal was not only impressive in terms of technique but also demonstrated his indomitable fighting spirit, as Dinh Bac took the shot despite having a problem with his right leg.
In particular, this was a seamless combination of excellent positioning and spatial awareness. The backward header from a difficult position completely overcame the opposing goalkeeper's attempts to save it, making it one of the most iconic moments of this year's tournament.
The showdown with rival Xiang Yuwang
Dinh Bac's direct competitor in this poll is striker Xiang Yuwang of the Chinese U23 team. In the semi-final match against the Vietnamese U23 team, Xiang Yuwang had a solo run past three defenders before calmly finishing with a diagonal shot. These two goals represent two different styles: one showcasing sharpness and finesse in the penalty area; the other highlighting strength and individual dribbling ability.
The statistics show an overwhelming lead before the voting closes.
According to the latest figures from the AFC's voting system, Dinh Bac is currently leading with 67.7% of the votes. Meanwhile, Xiang Yuwang is in second place with 32.06%. The difference of over 35% shows the recognition from experts and fans for the striker from Nghe An's spectacular goal.
| Candidate | Team | Voting percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nguyen Dinh Bac | Vietnam U23 | 67.7% |
| Xiang Yuwang | China U23 | 32.06% |
However, with the large number of supporters from China, the situation could still change in the final hours. The voting portal will officially close at 4:00 PM this afternoon (January 31st). Winning this title would be a well-deserved recognition for Dinh Bac and the U23 Vietnam team under coach Kim Sang Sik, who just finished the tournament with a historic bronze medal.
