Kuala Lumpur, 7 June, 2025 – Vietnam’s national team has made a timely reinforcement ahead of their pivotal 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia, with young striker Nguyen Quoc Viet receiving a call-up to replace the injured Cong Phuong.
The 21-year-old, born in Hai Phong on May 4, 2003, is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Vietnamese football. Standing at 1.73 meters, Quoc Viet is recognized for his agility, smart off-the-ball movement, and clinical finishing inside the penalty area. His sharp instincts and consistent performances at youth level have earned him the nickname “King of Youth Tournaments,” after claiming top scorer titles in the U17, U19, and U21 national championships.
Quoc Viet honed his skills in the academies of Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Nutifood JMG before stepping up to Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s senior squad in the 2023 V.League season. In pursuit of more playing time and development, he moved to First Division side Ninh Binh at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Donning the number 7 jersey, the young forward netted five goals for Ninh Binh, playing a vital part in their title-winning run and subsequent promotion. Head coach Viet Thang praised him as an indispensable member of the team, underlining his technical quality and work ethic.
On the international stage, Quoc Viet has already represented Vietnam in multiple age-group competitions, including the U23 Southeast Asian Championship, SEA Games, and the AFC U20 Asian Cup. His standout moment came at the U20 tournament, where he scored twice and impressed despite Vietnam narrowly missing out on a spot in the knockout stage.
This call-up is more than just a stopgap to fill the void left by Cong Phuong. It reflects a broader vision by head coach Kim Sang-sik, who appears to be opening the door for younger talents to break into the senior team.
Even if he doesn’t feature in the upcoming clash against Malaysia, Quoc Viet’s selection marks a major step forward in his career and a signal that a new generation is starting to make its mark in Vietnamese football.
Hong Phuc
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