Praha, 26 May, 2025 – Czech-born Vietnamese player Bui Alex has made a surprising statement regarding his career plans, revealing that he does not view the V-League as an ideal destination for his football career, despite being called up to the U22 Vietnam national team.
Bui Alex, who recently earned a call-up to the U22 Vietnam squad, has expressed his intentions to pursue his football career in Europe rather than play in the domestic V-League. He made his position clear by stating, “I have Vietnamese nationality, but I don’t think I will play for any domestic clubs. My goal is to play in Europe, where some of the greatest footballers in history have played.”
This statement stands in contrast to several overseas Vietnamese players who have chosen to return to the V-League in recent years. Prominent players such as Dang Van Lam, Mac Hong Quan, and more recently Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, have decided to play in Vietnam’s top domestic league after representing Vietnam at various international levels. However, Bui Alex believes that pursuing a career outside of Vietnam will not hinder his chances of representing the Vietnamese national team.
“Just because Cristiano Ronaldo never played for a club in Portugal after growing up doesn’t stop him from becoming the captain of the national team. Therefore, I believe that it is not necessary to play in the V-League to contribute to the Vietnam national team,” the 2005-born forward explained, drawing a parallel with one of the world’s greatest footballers. His comments highlight his long-term ambition to develop his skills in Europe, a footballing hub that has produced many of the world’s most legendary players.
Bui Alex’s statement has sparked significant discussion in the Vietnamese football community. On the one hand, it reflects the young player’s focus on his professional growth and aspirations on the European stage, where he believes he will have the best opportunities to further his career. On the other hand, it signals a different path from other expatriate players who have opted to return to Vietnam for a variety of personal and professional reasons, including the chance to play in front of local fans and contribute to the growth of the domestic football scene.
Despite his decision to focus on European football, Bui Alex remains committed to the national team, stating that his aim is still to represent Vietnam at international tournaments when called upon. This mindset mirrors his belief that playing for a foreign club does not diminish one’s ability to contribute to the national team, as demonstrated by the careers of several international football stars who achieved great success without playing in their home countries’ domestic leagues.
As Bui Alex’s career unfolds, it will be interesting to see how his ambitions evolve and whether his decision to bypass the V-League in favor of European football will inspire more young Vietnamese players to consider similar paths. His decision is a reminder that modern football offers players the opportunity to carve out careers in different countries and leagues, while still proudly representing their national teams on the international stage.
Leave a Reply