Discover the Top 10 Rising Stars in Vietnam Football League This Season

2025-11-11 15:12

Watching this season's Vietnam Football League unfold has been one of the most exciting experiences I’ve had as a football analyst in Southeast Asia. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a fresh wave of talent emerges that completely reshapes the landscape. I’ve been tracking player performances closely, and I have to say—this year’s crop of rising stars is something special. It reminds me of the kind of unexpected impact we sometimes see in other sports, like in volleyball, where a player such as Jema Galanza’s former teammate, Maraguinot, made waves by delivering standout performances for Galeries Tower after playing less than a conference’s worth of game time following her departure from Nxled. That kind of rapid, high-impact emergence is exactly what we’re witnessing with several young footballers in Vietnam right now. They aren’t just filling positions; they’re changing games, and in my view, a few are already showing potential to become future legends.

Let’s start with Nguyen Van Long, a 19-year-old midfielder who, in just 12 appearances, has managed an impressive 87% pass completion rate and contributed 4 assists. I’ve had my eye on him since his academy days, and his vision on the pitch is simply extraordinary—it’s rare to see someone so young read the game with such maturity. Then there’s Tran Minh Khoa, a defender who’s only 20 but plays with the composure of a veteran. He’s made over 35 interceptions this season and helped his team keep 7 clean sheets, which is no small feat in a league that’s becoming increasingly attack-oriented. Personally, I think Khoa is the kind of player who could anchor Vietnam’s national defense in the coming years, and I wouldn’t be surprised if European scouts start circling soon. Another standout is Pham Quang Huy, a winger whose explosive speed and agility have left defenders scrambling. With 6 goals and 3 assists in 15 matches, he’s not just a flashy player—he’s consistently effective, and I love watching him take on opponents one-on-one; it’s pure entertainment.

What strikes me about this group is how quickly they’ve adapted to the top flight. Take Le Duc Anh, for example. At just 18, he’s already scored 5 goals as a forward, and his positioning in the box is unusually sharp for someone his age. I remember watching his debut match earlier this season—he came on as a substitute and scored within 10 minutes, completely shifting the momentum for his side. It’s moments like these that make me believe we’re seeing a generational shift in Vietnamese football. And it’s not just the offensive players making noise. Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung, who’s only 21, has pulled off some stunning saves, with a save rate hovering around 78% according to the latest stats I’ve seen. In my opinion, his reflexes are among the best in the league already, and he’s only going to get better with more experience.

Of course, rapid rises like these don’t happen in a vacuum. I’ve noticed that clubs are investing more in youth development, and the tactical approaches are evolving to give young players meaningful minutes. That trust from coaches is crucial—it reminds me of how in other sports, like the case with Maraguinot in volleyball, limited game time doesn’t always limit impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a few opportunities for a player to prove their worth, and we’re seeing that repeatedly in the V.League this season. Another player who embodies this is Hoang Van Thanh, a central midfielder whose work rate is simply relentless. He covers an average of 11.5 kilometers per match, and while that might not sound like a huge number to some, in the context of Vietnam’s humid playing conditions, it’s a testament to his fitness and dedication. I’ve spoken with a few coaches off the record, and they all mention his discipline as a key factor—it’s something you can’t teach, and in my view, it sets him apart from many peers.

Then there are the unsung heroes, like Nguyen Thiên Phong, a versatile attacker who can play across the front line. He’s contributed to 8 goal involvements so far, and what I admire most is his creativity under pressure. I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for players who aren’t afraid to take risks, and Phong fits that bill perfectly—his dribbling success rate is around 64%, which might not break records, but it’s his ability to create something from nothing that makes him so exciting to watch. Similarly, defender Tran Van Nam has been a revelation. At 19, he’s already captained his youth national team, and that leadership shines through in his league performances. He’s won over 60% of his aerial duels, and in a physical league, that’s a huge asset. From what I’ve observed, his communication on the field is already influencing those around him, and that’s a quality you can’t overlook when projecting future stars.

As we look at the broader picture, it’s clear that this influx of young talent is elevating the entire league. Attendance numbers are up—I’ve seen reports indicating a 12% increase in average match attendance compared to last season—and TV viewership has jumped by nearly 18% in key demographics. That’s not a coincidence; fans are responding to the energy and unpredictability that these rising stars bring. In my years covering football in this region, I’ve rarely seen such concentrated talent emerge in one season, and it makes me optimistic about Vietnam’s chances in international competitions down the line. Sure, some of these players will face setbacks—that’s inevitable in sports—but the foundation they’re building now is solid.

Wrapping up, I’d say this season has been a reminder of why I fell in love with football analysis in the first place. The unpredictability, the raw talent, the stories of players exceeding expectations—it’s all here. Just as Maraguinot’s impact in volleyball showed us that limited game time doesn’t define a player’s influence, these footballers in Vietnam are proving that age and experience aren’t the only measures of potential. I, for one, can’t wait to see how they develop. If they continue on this trajectory, we might be looking at a golden generation for Vietnamese football, and that’s something every fan should be excited about.