U22 Vietnam ignites inspiration for Vietnamese football

24/12/2025 11:27:00 ScoreStream

"It is evident that the gold medal at SEA Games 33 for Vietnamese football has gone beyond the scope of sport for achievement. It has stimulated investment, opened pathways, and become a wonderful source of inspiration for the growth of Vietnamese youth football," shared former star Nguyen Cao Cuong, Vietnam’s best player 20 years after the nation’s reunification (1975-1995).

"In my generation and the late 20th century, there were very few official tournaments at the national team level. Therefore, being part of the squad at each national team gathering was a lifetime honor, not to mention playing in the final and winning. Given the strong results over the past decade, I believe Vietnamese football has a great chance to break into the continent’s top ranks in the near future," said Colonel, former The Cong star Nguyen Cao Cuong.

Mr. Cuong once again emphasized that the role of current and former national team players in inspiring Vietnamese football is very important. "Children will look up to their idols for training and will surely build their own dreams, hoping that one day they will be like their idols," Nguyen Cao Cuong said.

Born into a football tradition family, with his father Nguyen Van Thin, a former Northern star, and three other siblings who all played at the highest level, especially eldest brother Nguyen The Anh (Ba Den), Nguyen Cao Cuong has almost devoted his entire life to the king of sports. Now at the rare age of 71, the physique of the former National League top scorer (1981-82) remains impressive. Occasionally, the MAY FC team leader still puts on his shoes to play alongside younger generations with skillful touches.

Former star Cao Cuong believes Vietnamese football has a great chance to break into the continent’s top ranks in the near future. Photo: CCKM

Speaking about MAY FC, the club just celebrated its 10th anniversary, gathering a great number of former national players, which is quite special. "Connection, sharing, and enjoyment are the team’s principles. At this age, we consider ourselves successful. Living happily and giving what we can, we simply give. We have traveled extensively, and wherever the team steps on this S-shaped land, we want to leave something meaningful for the community," shared Vice Chairman and former Military Region 3 player Nguyen Duc Son (Son Hai Duong).

Just a few months ago, MAY FC was in Bao Loc (Lam Dong); five months ago in Kinh Mon (former Hai Duong); and recently in Binh Phuoc, Ho Chi Minh City, then Vung Tau..., during a tour connecting former Southern players. The friendship, team spirit, and sharing with those in difficult circumstances are truly precious.

The number one star of U22 Vietnam at SEA Games 2025 'humbly asks for lifelong respect' upon receiving a great honor

The MAY FC lineup, led by team head Nguyen Cao Cuong, Nguyen Van Dung (Old Dung), captain and coach Nguyen Van Sy, Le Huynh Duc, brothers Nguyen Duc Thang and Nguyen Duc Thinh, Vu Cong Tuyen, Duc Son (Son Hai Duong, MR3), Dang Phuong Nam, Pham Xuan Linh, Doan Hoang Son, Nguyen Van Hieu, Le Tan Tai, Trinh Xuan Thanh (Hai Phong), Vice Chairman Nguyen Nhat Nam (Ha Dong, former MR3 player), along with President Tran Dinh Thuc (Thuc, Lang Son)... is not only large but also elite, and everyone is filled with compassion.

"For those of us still coaching like me, Duc Thinh, Duc Thang, or Le Huynh Duc..., we carefully use every little break to join MAY FC. These are the best opportunities to catch up and enhance knowledge with old teammates and colleagues," said captain and coach Nguyen Van Sy to Sports & Culture.

Truly, which team wouldn’t want to mingle with living legends wearing the MAY FC jersey?! See you again in Nha Trang during Spring 2026!

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