Why has the Changzhou U23 generation collectively 'vanished' from the Vietnam national team?

The Changzhou U23 generation that once achieved a miracle is gradually fading from the Vietnam national team, clearly reflecting the transition of forces along with many issues regarding form and injuries.

The Changzhou U23 generation consists of players who once created a miracle at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship. is gradually concluding its role in the Vietnam national team as the number of participants dwindles. In the most recent match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, only a few familiar faces appeared, showing that the process of force transition is clearly underway.

Specifically, including the reserve squad, the national team now has only about five players from this generation, such as Do Duy Manh, Tran Dinh Trong, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Xuan Manh, and Nguyen Quang Hai. Notably, most of them grew up from Hanoi FC, while the group of players originating from HAGL has almost no longer maintained their positions in the national team.

The biggest reason comes from a decline in form after many career fluctuations. Names like Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Van Thanh, or Hong Duy, after leaving their familiar environment, have not maintained stable form. Even some players have had to compete in the First Division, making opportunities to return to the national team very limited.

Additionally, injuries have severely impacted this generation. Key pillars like Dinh Trong, Van Hau, Bui Tien Dung, or Phan Van Duc have all suffered serious injuries, disrupting their development and playing process. Recurring injuries or not reaching optimal physical condition make it difficult for them to compete for positions.

It is noteworthy that at around the age of 30, many players worldwide are still performing at their peak. This indicates that the issue for Vietnamese football is not age, but rather the ability to maintain form, fitness, and long-term stability.

Finally, professionalism and the support system also play a crucial role. From training regimes, lifestyle to sports medicine, they are not yet truly optimized, shortening the players' "professional lifespan." Therefore, the gradual fading of the Changzhou U23 generation into the past is not only a natural law but also reflects limitations that Vietnamese football needs to improve soon.