Vietnam U23: Viktor Lê is the only overseas Vietnamese player guaranteed a spot.
Vietnam U23 aims for the Panda Cup 2025 with around 26 players; Viktor Le, a Vietnamese expatriate, is a guaranteed spot, Vadim Nguyen was not called up, and Tran Thanh Trung's availability is not yet guaranteed.
Of the three Vietnamese-born players who have obtained Vietnamese citizenship, only one name is almost certain to be included in the Vietnam U23 team: Viktor Lê. Coach Kim Sang Sik did not call up Vadim Nguyễn, and Trần Thành Trung's ability to integrate and his fitness still need further assessment before finalizing the squad for the Panda Cup 2025.
Panda Cup 2025 and the personnel plan for the Vietnam U23 team.
The Vietnam U23 team will train and compete continuously throughout November and December 2025. In their fourth training camp of 2025, from November 10th to 19th, the team will participate in the Panda Cup 2025 international friendly tournament in China, facing opponents U23 China, U23 Uzbekistan, and U23 South Korea. The expected squad list includes approximately 26 players.
Decision regarding the group of overseas Vietnamese players.
According to reports, coach Kim Sang Sik did not call up Vadim Nguyen despite the player's positive performance during his time with SHB Da Nang. The two overseas Vietnamese players expected to be included are Viktor Le and Tran Thanh Trung.
However, Tran Thanh Trung's situation is not yet guaranteed. His recent injury is not too serious, and he has returned to the starting lineup in the last two rounds, but his integration into the U23 Vietnam playing style and his physical condition still need to be tested in upcoming training sessions and matches.
Competition in the midfield
Tran Thanh Trung's position will face significant competition. Players like Xuan Bac and Khuat Van Khang are likely to return to the Vietnam U23 team as they are not called up to the national team this time. In addition, the midfield also includes Van Truong and Cong Phuong, highly-rated players, making the midfield even more crowded.
Viktor Lê: a guaranteed spot, but the starting position isn't yet assured.
Among the Vietnamese expatriates, Viktor Lê is the only name that can be considered a sure bet for this training camp. The Russian-Vietnamese player is a key player for Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, has extensive experience playing in the V-League, and regularly features in the Vietnam U23 team.
However, even if he is called up to the national team, Viktor Lê's starting spot is not guaranteed. The lineup will depend on the coaching staff's professional assessment, given that the Vietnam U23 team has many personnel options for the tournament in China.
Training roadmap towards SEA Games 33
Immediately after the Panda Cup 2025, the Vietnam U23 team will begin their 5th training camp of 2025 from November 23rd to December 19th, 2025. This is considered a dress rehearsal before the 33rd SEA Games.
The team will train in Vung Tau from November 23rd to 29th, then travel to Ho Chi Minh City and depart for Thailand on December 2nd to participate in the Games. This demanding schedule places high demands on personnel, from selecting players for the Panda Cup to maintaining competitive fitness in preparation for the regional competition.
The picture of personnel selection
Based on the current decisions, the U23 Vietnam squad for overseas Vietnamese is clearly taking shape: Viktor Le is almost certain to be included, Vadim Nguyen is absent, and Tran Thanh Trung needs more time to prove himself. With a midfield featuring many notable players, the coaching staff will continue to monitor the integration and fitness of each player before finalizing the squad for the next stage.
