Vietnam U23's No.1 center-back reveals a special moment upon leaving CAHN

Vietnam U23 center-back Phạm Lý Đức caught the spotlight as he left Công an Hà Nội Club to move to PVF-CAND on a loan deal, expressing deep feelings on his social media.

On the evening of February 25, center-back Phạm Lý Đức unexpectedly posted a brief but emotional status on his personal account: “A return after 10 years”. This was not only an announcement of his farewell to Công an Hà Nội Club (CAHN), but also marked his journey back to the place where his dreams took flight, PVF-CAND, under a loan contract until the end of the season.

Just one day earlier, Lý Đức was still listed on the bench for the rescheduled V-League Round 10 match between CAHN and Đông Á Thanh Hóa. However, coach Polking did not put him on the field. This quiet moment made his decision to move to PVF-CAND even more notable, especially since the 2003-born center-back is regarded as one of Vietnam football’s most promising talents.

Few know that PVF was where Lý Đức began his early career years when the center was still based in Ho Chi Minh City. After not being retained, he shifted to HAGL in Đồng Tháp following coach Trần Minh Chiến’s guidance. These turning points shaped a unique full-circle journey, leading him back to his old home after a decade, but in a completely different role and status.

In 2023, Lý Đức started his professional career with Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu in the First Division, playing two consecutive seasons as a starter before returning to HAGL and making his V-League debut. This season alone, he appeared in 20 matches, scored 3 goals, and provided 1 assist—impressive stats for a center-back. His consistent performance earned him call-ups to both the Vietnam U23 and the national team in 2025.

Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Lý Đức became a key player for youth teams, leaving his mark at the U23 Southeast Asia Championship, the 33rd SEA Games, and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals. His rapid development has led him to be seen as a crucial future defensive figure for Vietnamese football.

For PVF-CAND, Lý Đức’s arrival holds clear professional significance. Center-back Nguyễn Hiểu Minh recently suffered a serious injury and will miss the rest of the season, while the team currently ranks 13th after the first half and needs to strengthen its defense. “A return after 10 years” therefore is not only an emotional story but also opens a chance for Lý Đức to prove his worth and help PVF-CAND regain defensive stability for the remainder of the season.