Coach Kim Sang Sik confirms the number one goalkeeper for Vietnam U23

Trung Kiên is definitely the top pick for Vietnam U23 with his remarkable form in the V-League.

HAGL just secured a valuable 0-0 draw against Hanoi in the second round of the V-League. Throughout the 90 minutes, the Mountain Club was continuously dominated by the home team Hanoi, who created many clear goal-scoring chances. However, on an exceptional day, Trung Kiên blocked them all.

The young goalkeeper Trung Kiên frustrated all Hanoi FC attackers, denying excellent shots from Tuấn Hải, Xuân Tú, and Văn Tùng. Whenever the capital’s team seemed close to scoring, the young U23 Vietnam goalkeeper delivered world-class saves.

With such impressive form, Trung Kiên is sure to remain the first-choice goalkeeper for Vietnam U23 in the upcoming 2026 U23 Asian qualifiers. Previously, the HAGL goalkeeper also performed excellently in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, playing a crucial role in Vietnam U23’s title win.

Standing at 1.91 meters, with remarkable reflexes, positioning, and decision-making, Coach Kim Sang Sik is likely very confident in Trần Trung Kiên. It is rare for a young goalkeeper of this age to become a key player in a V-League club. This probably explains why he often gets chances in the national team despite competition from more experienced seniors.

Trần Trung Kiên is Coach Kim Sang Sik’s "reserve asset" for several youth tournaments; after the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, there will be the U23 Asian qualifiers and SEA Games in 2025. As the 2024 AFF Cup champion, gaining experience from goalkeepers like Filip Nguyễn, Đình Triệu, and legendary Korean goalkeeper coach Lee Won Jae is invaluable.

Coach Kim Sang Sik can be fully assured that the upcoming 2026 U23 Asian qualifiers and SEA Games 33 will feature an outstanding Trung Kiên guarding the goal. He is also a highly promising goalkeeper for the Vietnam national team in the near future.