OFFICIAL: Overseas Vietnamese prodigy bids farewell to Vietnam national team

Young midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa officially departs from the Vietnam national team before the 2026 ASEAN Cup because his knee injury failed to recover, closing a disappointing debut national team selection.

Ngo Dang Khoa officially says goodbye to the Vietnam national team during the training camp preparing for the 2026 ASEAN Cup after not recovering in time from his knee injury. This is a pity for the young midfielder, as he had just received his first opportunity from coach Kim Sang-sik to join the national team.

According to medical examination results, Ngo Dang Khoa had a grade 2 meniscus tear dating back to his time playing for his club. Throughout the training camp with the national team, the 19-year-old could not take part in technical training sessions, only engaging in recovery exercises and physical therapy as prescribed by the medical staff.

Doctors assessed that if he continued training and playing while the injury was not fully healed, Dang Khoa would face the risk of a grade 3 meniscus tear, possibly requiring surgery. Facing that risk, the coaching staff prioritized the player's safety and future rather than taking the gamble of keeping him on the team.

On the afternoon of June 27, coach Kim Sang-sik directly spoke with Ngo Dang Khoa before making the final decision. After reaching an agreement with the player and the medical team, the Korean tactician facilitated the young midfielder's return to his club to continue treatment and recovery under regular supervision.

Returning early to his parent club is expected to give Dang Khoa the best environment to fully heal the injury, thereby quickly regaining his physical condition and form. Although he missed the chance to be part of this training camp, the midfielder born in 2007 still has plenty of time to develop and compete for a national team spot in the future.

Ngo Dang Khoa is one of three new faces to whom coach Kim Sang-sik granted the opportunity in this training camp. Although he could not play or train with his seniors due to injury, being called up remains a memorable milestone in the young player's career. If he recovers soon, Dang Khoa can certainly come back stronger and continue to pursue his dream of contributing to the Vietnam national team in upcoming tournaments.