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An AFC representative hands the 2026 U23 Asian Cup Golden Boot trophy to VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan on behalf of Dinh Bac. Photo: VFF

After the tournament concluded, a representative of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) met with Mr. Tuan, who was on duty in Saudi Arabia, to officially present the symbolic Golden Boot trophy for top scorer of the tournament, awarded to Dinh Bac. Mr. Tuan will bring the trophy back to Vietnam and hand it directly to the striker wearing jersey number 7.

At the 2026 U23 Asian Cup, Dinh Bac scored four goals - tied with Ryunosuke Sato (U23 Japan), Ali Azaizeh (U23 Jordan), and Leonardo Farah Shahin (U23 Lebanon).

Under the AFC's 2026 competition rules, when players are tied on goals and assists (both Dinh Bac and Sato had two assists), the winner is determined by fewer minutes played.

Dinh Bac played only 361 minutes, while Sato clocked 446 minutes, giving the Vietnamese forward the edge and the title.

A first for Vietnam and Southeast Asia

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“Just a small reward for myself. I’ll keep striving harder,” Dinh Bac shared.

This is the first time in history that a Vietnamese or Southeast Asian player has claimed the top scorer award at the AFC U23 Asian Cup. The achievement is even more impressive considering Dinh Bac started only two of the six matches he appeared in.

The 2004-born forward’s four goals came in crucial moments: a penalty in the group stage opener against U23 Jordan, a stunning solo effort against hosts U23 Saudi Arabia, a powerful header in the 3–2 quarterfinal win over U23 UAE, and a masterful free kick in the third-place playoff against U23 South Korea.

In addition to his goals, Dinh Bac was praised for his all-around game - pressing, defending, ball control, speed, strength, and varied finishing abilities. Commentator Quang Huy hailed him as the best Vietnamese striker at present and predicted he will continue rising as he enters his peak playing years.

After returning to Vietnam with the national team, Dinh Bac took a short break before resuming training with his club CAHN, preparing for upcoming domestic and international competitions.

On his personal social media, the Nghe An-born forward shared a photo holding his 2025 Vietnamese Silver Ball and the Best Young Player of the Year trophy. Due to his participation in the U23 Asian Cup, Dinh Bac was unable to attend the award gala hosted by Saigon Giai Phong newspaper.

“Just a small reward for myself. I’ll keep striving harder,” he captioned the post.

Dai Nam