U23 Vietnam have returned home after nearly a month in Saudi Arabia, carrying more than just a bronze medal. They brought back pride, unforgettable moments, and a new chapter in the country’s football legacy-sealed by a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory over U23 Korea after a 2-2 draw.

The historic win came in the third-place match of the AFC U23 Championship 2026 on January 23. After the medal ceremony, the team made a quiet return to their hotel, gathered for a late dinner, and began packing. By 1:15 a.m. on January 24, the first group of 26 team members-including VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu, national teams director Doan Anh Tuan, head coach Kim Sang Sik and most players-headed to Jeddah airport.

The remaining 14 members, including assistant coaches and six players, followed later that day and will arrive in Hanoi early on January 25. The return was bittersweet: medals in hand, but exhaustion written on their faces. Hiểu Minh, injured earlier in the tournament, had to be wheeled through the airport.

At the terminal, captain Khuat Van Khang beamed. “It’s an honor to bring home this medal,” said the midfielder, who has now appeared in three AFC U23 finals. “I’ll rest for two days, then return to The Cong Viettel for the next V-League phase.”

Other players shared lighter thoughts. Midfielder Thai Son craved a hot pot, while Nguyen Dinh Bac and Viktor Le yearned for Hanoi-style pho and sleep.

But no voice carried the emotional weight of Dinh Bac. The dynamic forward was both hero and heartbreak. He assisted the opener for Quoc Viet, scored a stunning free-kick to make it 2-1, and then was sent off in the 86th minute. “I’m sorry,” he told teammates, sobbing in the dressing room. “All I could do was pray. Thank you for fighting for me.”

His words, later posted online, were simple yet powerful: “Thank you, brothers. I owe you.”

Coach Kim Sang Sik, too, had tears in his eyes. “Football is never easy,” said the Korean tactician, praising his players’ resilience. “Every game was hard. Yet, even when we were down a man, they didn’t quit. I’m so proud. Chúc mừng năm mới to all Vietnamese fans.”

Indeed, Vietnam played much of the match with ten men, yet held off Korea’s relentless attack. Cao Van Binh, in goal for the first time at this level, became an overnight hero. With 10 crucial saves and one decisive penalty block in the shootout, he was named Man of the Match. “I stared into their eyes before each kick,” he later revealed. “That’s how I read them.”

Nguyen Thanh Nhan, brought on in extra time, buried the final spot-kick after Van Binh’s save, sealing Vietnam’s victory.

In the wake of the triumph, the team received a flood of praise-and reward. The Vietnam Football Federation awarded them over $200,000, including bonuses for key wins throughout the tournament. Businessman Bau Duc contributed another $120,000. In total, the team earned close to $400,000 in bonuses alone.

Media across Asia took notice. Thai and Korean outlets alike highlighted Vietnam’s composure, resilience, and ability to rise from the ashes of their semifinal loss to China. From ASEAN fans to FIFA’s official World Cup page, which simply wrote “Vietnam spirit,” admiration poured in.

The victory was historic in more ways than one. It was Vietnam’s first win over Korea in ten attempts, their first medal match win in any continental tournament, and their highest-ever goal tally (10) in a single AFC U23 Championship-beating even the 2018 generation’s iconic run in Changzhou.

Coach Kim, reflecting on Dinh Bac’s red card, showed understanding. “He was emotional. He had just scored. Mistakes happen. But we believed in ourselves.”

Opposing coach Lee Min Sung offered a candid assessment: “We had the advantage, but lacked composure. Vietnam punished us.”

AFC and FIFA weren’t the only ones to recognize the magnitude of Vietnam’s performance. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a letter praising the team’s courage and dedication. “This is a triumph of will, belief, and the Vietnamese spirit,” he wrote.

From the field to the fans, the message was the same: this was more than football. It was about rising after defeat. About unity in adversity. And about a generation of players, who despite youth and pressure, delivered one of the greatest moments in Vietnam’s sporting history.

As the team disembarked at Noi Bai airport, there were no parades or fanfare-just quiet pride, warm embraces, and tired eyes full of dreams. The tournament was over, but for U23 Vietnam, a new journey is just beginning.

Ngoc Huy-Dai Nam