A standout campaign

Vietnam’s U23 team delivered an electrifying performance at the tournament, highlighted by an emotional victory over South Korea and a third-place finish overall.

Their journey in Saudi Arabia captured the public’s imagination, especially with an undefeated group stage run. The young players showed confidence on the continental stage, played with freedom, and carried an unmistakable hunger to compete.

Given this context, it’s only natural that fans are wondering who among these rising stars might earn a spot in the senior squad. Coach Kim Sang Sik has already shown a clear intent to rejuvenate the national team, giving opportunities to younger players such as Dinh Bac, Van Khang, Trung Kien, and Ly Duc. This suggests that the door to the national team is open to the U23 generation.

From a strategic perspective, injecting youth after a major tournament is essential. Vietnam can’t afford to rely forever on a familiar core, especially as the demands of international football - physicality, pace, and intensity - continue to rise. What the U23 team demonstrated in Saudi Arabia signals that a new generation is ready to take on tougher, more competitive arenas.

Still a long road ahead

However, there's a significant difference between “deserving a chance” and “being able to stay.” The euphoria following a strong tournament can quickly fuel expectations, but in terms of professional standards, the transition is far more complex.

The truth is, not every player who excels at youth level can immediately meet the demands of the senior squad. Dinh Bac and Van Khang are prime examples. Both are widely seen as promising talents and have previously been called up to the national team. Yet, at the club level, neither has secured a consistent starting role or become a true mainstay.

To seriously compete for a national team place, U23 players need more than just one good showing. Long-term consistency - especially in the domestic league - is the most accurate measure of readiness. The national team is a place for the country’s best current players, not a reward for past success.

That said, coach Kim will undoubtedly extend more opportunities beyond the current names. What’s encouraging is that this U23 group remains very young. They have time - plenty of it - to refine their game, accumulate experience, and grow tactically and mentally.

The path to Vietnam’s national team isn’t closed, but it’s certainly not a shortcut. For this talented U23 squad, their shining moment in Saudi Arabia may just be the beginning. The real challenge lies in maintaining perspective - and keeping both feet firmly on the ground as they pursue their next dream.

Duy Nguyen