Vietnam U23 makes history with European-born Vietnamese star duo

Both Vadim Nguyen and Tran Thanh Trung officially debuted for Vietnam U23 in the recent friendly against North Korea U23.

Vietnam U23 head coach Dinh Hong Vinh has finalized the 25-player squad for the CFA Team China 2026 friendly tournament in China. The notable highlight of this list is the inclusion of two overseas Vietnamese players, Tran Thanh Trung and Vadim Nguyen, names that have garnered high expectations from fans.

Right in the opening match against North Korea U23, Tran Thanh Trung was given the opportunity to start. This marked the first time this overseas Vietnamese midfielder played in the starting lineup for Vietnam U23 after several missed opportunities previously. Meanwhile, Vadim Nguyen was also utilized, coming off the bench and entering the field in the second half. This is the first time in Vietnam U23's history that two overseas Vietnamese players were used in a single match.

This tournament holds special significance for both players, as it is the first time they are participating together in an official Vietnam U23 competition. For Tran Thanh Trung specifically, his journey to the national youth team is a story of perseverance. He had been called up multiple times but could not make the final squad for various reasons.

Previously, Thanh Trung participated in the training camp preparing for the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers but was cut when the team downsized. At SEA Games 33, despite not being in the initial list, he was called up as a replacement due to Van Truong's injury, yet once again could not secure a regular spot. By early 2026, when Vietnam U23 competed in the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals, this midfielder was again absent, making his path to proving himself even more challenging.

On the other hand, overseas Vietnamese player Antonio Moric has concluded his trial period with Vietnam U23 and returned to the U19 team as planned. After a week of training and assessment, he was not part of the coaching staff's final plan. Therefore, Vietnam U23 is participating in this tournament with two overseas Vietnamese players: Tran Thanh Trung and Vadim Nguyen.

At the CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026 tournament, Vietnam U23 will successively face North Korea U23 (25/3), Thailand U23 (28/3), and host China U23 (31/3). According to coach Dinh Hong Vinh, this is an important opportunity for young players to accumulate international experience, while also helping the coaching staff evaluate the squad, aiming for the long-term goals of Vietnamese football in the coming period.

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