Vietnamese Youth Football: From Academies to the International Arena

In the 90+3 minute, at the national My Dinh Stadium, young player Nguyen Quoc Viet received the ball from a teammate, turned, and shot into the far corner. The goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Thailand U23 at the 2026 Southeast Asian U23 Championship. That moment was not just a goal; it was the culmination of a decade of youth training reforms that few have seen. Over the past 10 years, Vietnamese football has witnessed a strong rise from youth academies. From Hoang Anh Gia Lai Academy, PVF, to the training centers of Hanoi FC and Viettel, a host of talents have been nurtured. But the story is not just about having good players; it is about a system operating more professionally. According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), by 2026, more than 200,000 children participate in school football programs, a 40% increase compared to 2026. Major academies have invested over 500 billion VND in facilities and foreign coaches. For example, PVF Academy has sent 15 coaches to Japan and Europe to learn modern methods. However, this development is uneven. While big clubs have abundant resources, provinces still struggle with talent selection and training. The quality gap between regions is a major challenge. Many young talents in remote areas do not have access to professional environments. A bright spot is the emergence of young players like Nguyen Quoc Viet, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Khue Van Khang. They not only have good technique but also modern tactical thinking. This comes from academies focusing on comprehensive development, not just individual skills but also physical and mental aspects. Following Vietnam U23 matches in 2026, I noticed a clear difference in pace and game reading compared to the previous generation. Young players move smarter, combine faster, and especially handle pressure better. This is the result of applying modern curricula from developed football nations. But are we too optimistic? A contrarian view argues that success at youth level does not guarantee success at professional level. Many young players shine in youth tournaments but stagnate when promoted to the first team. The issue lies in the transition between levels, where differences in physicality and experience are huge. In reality, only about 30% of youth academy players can stay in V-League after 3 years. This raises questions about training quality and the adaptability of young players to the top environment. Clubs need long-term strategies to help young players integrate, rather than just promoting them and letting them swim alone. Another issue is the dependence on youth tournaments. Without a regular and quality competition system, young players will lack exposure. Currently, the national U19 and U21 tournaments still do not meet the requirements for number of matches and competitiveness. More drastic reforms are needed. However, I believe the current direction is correct. Investment in youth training is the most sustainable path for Vietnamese football. Instead of spending money on foreign players, clubs should focus on developing domestic resources. This not only saves costs but also creates a unique identity for the national game. Looking at developed football nations like Japan or South Korea, they succeeded by building a systematic youth training system over decades. Vietnam is on the right track, but needs more patience and a clearer strategy. The combination of the state, clubs, and businesses is key. The story of Nguyen Quoc Viet is a typical example. Born in Nghe An, he was discovered through school tournaments, then entered PVF Academy. After 5 years of training, he became a promising striker. But the road ahead is long, and he needs support from his club to develop comprehensively. Vietnamese youth football is at a historic opportunity. With the current foundation, if we continue to invest correctly, we can expect a new golden generation in 5-10 years. The important thing is not to be hasty, but to stay committed to long-term goals. I recall a saying from an expert: "Youth football is not a sprint, but a marathon." Vietnam has run half the distance, and what we see today is the fruit of perseverance. Let us continue to believe and invest, because the future of our football lies in the hands of today's young players.