Nam Định undergoes a squad overhaul, overseas Vietnamese player's dream of joining the national team abruptly ends

Kevin Phạm Ba parts ways with Nam Định, ending a memorable stint and sparking major speculation about where the Vietnamese-French defender will go next.

Thép Xanh Nam Định Club officially confirmed parting ways with Kevin Phạm Ba ahead of the 2026/27 season. On social media, the club wrote: “Thép Xanh Nam Định Club would like to thank Kevin Pham Ba and Arnaud Lusamba for their time with us.” The announcement did not mention the reason for ending the partnership or the next destination of the French-Vietnamese defender.

This decision drew attention because in July 2025, Nam Định had announced signing a two-year contract with Kevin, lasting until the end of the 2026/27 season. At that time, retaining the player born in 1994 was seen as a key step in building squad depth. Therefore, the farewell after just one season became an earlier-than-expected turn, simultaneously showing that the home team of Thiên Trường Stadium is making significant adjustments to its personnel.

Kevin Phạm Ba returned to Vietnam in March 2025 after many years playing in France. He came through the Sochaux academy, previously played for Versailles and Martigues before joining Nam Định in the second half of the 2024/25 season. Capable of playing both right-back and center-back, the 1.81m tall player quickly adapted, making 10 appearances and scoring 2 goals in the V.League, helping the Nam Định team defend their championship.

When he first arrived at Thiên Trường Stadium, Kevin once shared: “I could feel the seriousness in Nam Định Club's plans, and that's what convinced me.” His energetic style, ability to overlap, and fierce competitive spirit earned him fans' affection. The goal against Hà Nội FC in a 3-0 win at Hàng Đẫy Stadium was his standout moment in Vietnam. In the 2025/26 season, Kevin's role was less stable than before, but he still left his mark. The 32-year-old defender made 12 appearances in the V.League, scoring 2 goals in 640 minutes.

Kevin's departure comes amid Nam Định's restructuring of the defense. Shortly after, the Nam Định team introduced American-Vietnamese defender Reece Minh-Kai. However, no official announcement has been made about Kevin's next club, so all speculation about his future remains to be verified.

Kevin Phạm Ba has never hidden his desire to wear the Vietnam national team jersey. The 32-year-old defender has repeatedly expressed his affection for Vietnam, where his family roots lie, while affirming his readiness to contribute if given the opportunity. Kevin once shared: “I want to play for the Vietnam national team. I am very happy with my life here and want to contribute, want to help the team. Of course, if there is an opportunity, I am always ready. I love life in Vietnam, so I am always in a state of readiness.”

Another notable question is which direction Kevin's process of applying for Vietnamese citizenship will take, after Nam Định had previously supported him in the procedures. At age 32, his new club will not only determine his chances of regular play but also affect his ambition to compete for a spot on the Vietnam national team.