Prior to the break  - which allowed the national U23 team to participate in the SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup  - the season had yet to find its rhythm. Despite the excitement of a new campaign, the overall competitiveness and emotional pull of matches remained underwhelming.

Notably, newly promoted Ninh Binh stunned observers by climbing to the top of the table. Yet overall, the league’s opening 11 rounds lacked standout fixtures or strong performances from traditional powerhouses such as Hanoi FC and Viettel. Clubs with greater ambitions and deeper rosters like Thep Xanh Nam Dinh (Blue Steel Nam Dinh) and CAHN (Hano Police) faced fatigue from juggling multiple competitions.

These factors translated into sparse crowds and average match quality.

A spark from the U23 squad?

In this context, fans and pundits alike are pinning their hopes on a positive ripple effect from the U23 national team  - now coached by Kim Sang Sik  - who just secured a bronze medal at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

This echoes the phenomenon of 2018, when the "Thường Châu generation" led by stars like Quang Hai and Cong Phuong galvanized local football. Though technical quality didn’t skyrocket overnight, the emotional impact packed stadiums and turned each V-League round into a celebratory event. It marked the start of a golden era for Vietnamese football.

Currently, a dozen V-League clubs have contributed players to the U23 national team, and many believe the team’s recent achievements can bring new energy to domestic football.

After impressive performances in West Asia, several U23 players  - including Dinh Bac, Trung Kien, Ly Duc, and Nhat Minh  - are now seen as candidates for regular V-League action. Their presence could not only elevate match quality but also foster healthy competition within clubs.

That said, the U23 effect is no magic fix. It won’t instantly transform the league. But in a season that has so far lacked momentum, these rising stars may well be the shot of adrenaline Vietnamese football needs.

The hope now is that this momentum continues and the V-League becomes more exciting and competitive  - something fans have long been craving.

Duy Nguyen