European-class Vietnamese overseas unexpectedly excluded from U22 Vietnam

Vietnamese overseas midfielder Trần Thanh Trung is absent from the U22 Vietnam roster for SEA Games 33 preparation.

On November 6th, coach Kim Sang Sik announced the 26-player list for the U22 Vietnam team’s fourth training camp in 2025, aimed at preparing for the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 international football tournament and targeting SEA Games 33, which will be held in Thailand this December.

Initially, three Vietnamese overseas players were under consideration: Viktor Lê, Vadim Nguyễn, and Trần Thành Trung. However, in the preliminary U22 Vietnam squad for SEA Games 33, both Trần Thành Trung and Vadim Nguyễn were omitted, with only Viktor Lê receiving a call-up.

Although his recent injury was not severe and he has been a regular starter in the last two matches, Thành Trung still needs to deliver more convincing performances. His ability to adapt to the U23 Vietnam playing style and his physical condition require further evaluation.

Trần Thành Trung’s position faces heavy competition in the U22 Vietnam team, especially with players like Xuân Bắc and Khuất Văn Khang being recalled to the U23 squad instead of joining the national team this time. The midfield will be crowded with outstanding names such as Văn Trường and Công Phương.

Viktor Lê is the only Vietnamese overseas player called up to the U22 Vietnam team this time. The Russian-based Vietnamese player remains a key figure at Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, with extensive V-League experience and frequent selections to the U23 Vietnam team. Despite his potential, even his starting spot in the U23 team is not guaranteed.

According to the plan, the U22 Vietnam team will gather on November 9th under the leadership of acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh, then depart for China to participate in the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025. The tournament will take place from November 12 to 18 in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China), featuring four U22 national teams: China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The Vietnam Football Federation’s support for participating in this high-quality event is expected to provide the U22 Vietnam team with a vital warm-up ahead of SEA Games 33.

Immediately after the conclusion of the Panda Cup 2025, the U22 Vietnam team will enter a final preparatory training phase for SEA Games 33 starting November 23. During this period, the team will train in Vũng Tàu before traveling to Thailand on December 2 to compete in the Games.