Quang Hai's son draws attention, Vietnam team sets high expectations

Vietnam U17 is set to travel to Indonesia for the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Finals, where forward Nguyen Le Quang Khoi is anticipated to be a prominent element in the offensive line.

Son of former striker Nguyen Quang Hai – Nguyen Le Quang Khoi is currently one of the names receiving considerable attention within the Vietnam U17 squad, as the team prepares to enter a series of important tournaments in 2026.

On the afternoon of April 9, Vietnam U17 completed their final training session in Hanoi before departing for Indonesia to participate in the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Finals. This tournament is considered crucial, serving as a comprehensive rehearsal for the long-term goal of the 2026 AFC U17 Championship.

During this training camp, Nguyen Le Quang Khoi emerged as a notable figure in the attack. The player born in 2009 is the son of former striker Nguyen Quang Hai – who once helped the Vietnam national team win the 2008 AFF Cup. Not only drawing attention due to his family's reputation, Quang Khoi also demonstrated good form by consistently scoring in recent training matches.

Notably, Quang Khoi previously underwent training in Brazil and has been called up to Vietnam U17 levels since two years ago. This has helped the young forward accumulate international match experience and adapt early to the professional football environment at the national team level.

Coach Cristiano Roland also gave positive feedback to his student, but simultaneously emphasized that the development process still has a long road ahead. He shared: “For Khoi or all the other players, being here means they already possess individual skills and potential that are quite superior compared to other players of the same age. The players must meet the requirements regarding physical fitness, coordination ability, and the team's tactical thinking. Quang Khoi is also one of those who have demonstrated this. I believe in the future, Quang Khoi still needs to strive much more to secure his place within the team's squad.”

According to the plan, Vietnam U17 will depart for Indonesia on the morning of April 10 to participate in the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Finals. There, the team is in Group A alongside U17 Malaysia, host Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. This is seen as an important preparatory step before aiming for the larger goal of the 2026 AFC U17 Championship, where the opportunity to qualify for the U17 World Cup will be determined.

With thorough preparation and promising talents like Quang Khoi, Vietnam U17 is expected to perform impressively, while also laying a foundation for the next generation of young Vietnamese football players in the future.