Unprecedented intensity: V.League becomes a 'filter' for foreign players

V.League 2025/2026 sees a harsh wave of elimination with many foreign players departing right after the first half.

V.League 2025/2026 is entering an acceleration phase with increasingly high competition intensity, leading to significant pressure on foreign players. Not only are they expected to make a difference, but they must continuously prove their value if they wish to avoid early elimination from the fierce competition of Vietnam's top league.

Reality shows that this season's V.League continues to operate like a "grinder" for foreign players. Clubs are ready to change personnel even mid-season if players fail to meet professional requirements. This creates a fiercely competitive environment where performance and match effectiveness are prioritized.

According to statistics after the first half, up to 13 foreign players have left V.League 2025/2026. This number clearly reflects the strong screening trend of the clubs and shows the strictness in using foreign players. Familiar names like Kim Dong-su, Carlos Enrique Olaya, and Emerson Souza could not stay.

Notably, many face difficulties after leaving the league. Some players like Amarildo, Marco Antonio, or Eyenga Alain still haven't found new clubs, partly showing that adapting and maintaining form in V.League is not easy.

On the other hand, this continuous elimination also helps improve the league's quality. Clubs are forced to seek truly suitable foreign players who can adapt quickly and make a clear professional impact. This improves the overall standard of the league and increases the appeal of the championship race.

It can be seen that V.League 2025/2026 is not only a playground for clubs but also a harsh test for foreign players. In a high-competition environment, only players who maintain stable performance and meet tactical requirements well can stay and affirm their value.