Vietnam’s Rising Stars on the Global Pitch
Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed from a developing football nation to a hub of emerging talent. Thanks to a new generation of technically gifted and highly disciplined players, Vietnamese footballers are no longer confined to local leagues. Instead, they’re heading to some of the world’s most competitive football markets from Japan and South Korea to the lesser-known but growing leagues of Europe.
This movement abroad not only marks individual success stories but also fuels national pride and opens doors for future Vietnamese talent. In this article, we profile the top 10 Vietnamese footballers playing abroad in 2025. These players are not just representing their clubs but carrying the hopes of millions back home, acting as ambassadors of Vietnamese football.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or new to the sport, this comprehensive Kingspredict guide will introduce you to the names worth knowing, their club careers, key achievements, and the roles they play in shaping the future of Vietnamese football.
Below are Top 10 Vietnamese Footballers Playing Abroad:
1. Nguyen Quang Hai – The European Pioneer
- Current Club: Pau FC (France, Ligue 2)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Age: 28
Nguyen Quang Hai remains a beacon of hope and a fan-favorite. In 2022, he made headlines by becoming the first Vietnamese player to sign for a French club. While his initial season at Pau FC came with challenges language, pace of play, and physicality Quang Hai adapted quickly. By 2025, he’s not just a squad player but a consistent starter, contributing with assists, clever passes, and set-piece mastery.
His adaptability, mental strength, and creative flair have not only helped him establish himself in France but also inspired a generation back home. Quang Hai has played over 70 games in Ligue 2, with 12 goals and 18 assists to his name. He’s particularly celebrated for his ability to unlock defenses with just a single touch or pass.
Off the pitch, Quang Hai has remained humble and driven, frequently advocating for youth development programs in Vietnam. His European presence has opened dialogue among European scouts about scouting more talent from Southeast Asia.
2. Doan Van Hau – The Resilient Defender in South Korea
- Current Club: Suwon FC (South Korea, K League 1)
- Position: Left-back
- Age: 25
Doan Van Hau’s journey from Hanoi to Suwon was not a straightforward one. After a brief stint with SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands in 2019 where he struggled for minutes, Van Hau returned to Asia with more resolve. His move to South Korea’s K League 1 in 2023 marked the beginning of his rebirth as an elite defender.
In Suwon FC, Van Hau found the perfect tactical system and coaching support to flourish. By 2025, he’s regarded as one of the most dependable full-backs in the league, known for his defensive awareness, tough tackling, and lethal overlapping runs. He’s also contributed three goals and five assists over two seasons a commendable tally for a defender.
What makes Van Hau special is his resilience. Despite early setbacks in Europe, he never gave up on his international dream. His time in South Korea has improved his game intelligence and physical conditioning, making him an asset both at club and international level.
Van Hau continues to be a regular for the Vietnamese national team and was instrumental in Vietnam’s recent success in the AFF Championship. His ability to read the game and lead from the back has brought him leadership responsibilities at both club and country.
3. Nguyen Cong Phuong – Thailand’s Fan Favorite
- Current Club: Yokohama FC (Japan, J1 League)
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Age: 30
Nguyen Cong Phuong, affectionately known as the “Vietnamese Messi,” has had one of the most colorful careers among his peers. After brief spells in South Korea and Belgium, his move to Japan’s J1 League with Yokohama FC has proven to be a turning point in consistency and exposure.
By 2025, Cong Phuong is thriving in Japan. His agility, dribbling, and flair for the unexpected have made him a nightmare for defenders. With 11 goals and 9 assists last season, he was named Yokohama FC’s Player of the Year and has gained admiration across Asia.
His playing style, often compared to South American greats, resonates deeply with fans in Thailand, where his earlier stints made him a household name. He remains a central figure for Vietnam’s national team, often deployed as a super-sub or a false nine.
More than a player, Cong Phuong is an entertainer, and his cross-border appeal has made him a commercial icon. He’s signed endorsement deals in Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand making him one of the most marketable athletes in Southeast Asia.
4. Le Cong Vinh Jr. – Emerging Star in Bundesliga Youth Ranks
- Current Club: Borussia Dortmund U21 (Germany)
- Position: Striker
- Age: 19
Le Cong Vinh Jr., the son of Vietnamese football legend Le Cong Vinh, is quickly stepping out of his father’s shadow. With dual nationality and early exposure to European football academies, he’s developed into a technically skilled and tactically intelligent striker. His movement off the ball, calm finishing, and link-up play have made him a standout performer in Borussia Dortmund’s youth setup.
In 2025, he’s knocking on the door of the senior team, frequently training with first-team players and earning minutes in pre-season friendlies. Dortmund’s coaches praise his work ethic and maturity, noting his natural leadership despite his young age. If his development continues, he could soon become the first Vietnamese-born player to feature in the Bundesliga.
His popularity is growing in both Germany and Vietnam, especially with young fans who admire his humble personality and flair for the spectacular. His journey symbolizes the next phase of Vietnam’s football evolution: not just exports but future stars in Europe’s elite leagues.
5. Bui Hoang Viet Anh – Thai League’s Defensive Wall
- Current Club: Buriram United (Thailand)
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 25
Bui Hoang Viet Anh has become a cornerstone of Buriram United’s backline since his move from Hanoi FC. In Thailand’s top league, Viet Anh has matured into a commanding presence in central defense. Known for his aerial dominance, clean tackles, and game reading abilities, he’s been part of a defence that boasts the lowest goal-conceded record in the 2024 season.
His style is often compared to classic European defenders disciplined, physical, and effective. He brings calmness to the backline and leads with his actions rather than words. His performance has not gone unnoticed, with interest from Japanese and Korean clubs growing.
For Vietnamese fans, Viet Anh is proof that defenders can also shine abroad and play pivotal roles in title-winning teams. His role in Buriram United’s back-to-back title wins has only added to his legacy.
6. Phan Tuan Tai – Rising Midfield Commander in J-League
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Current Club: Shimizu S-Pulse (Japan, J2 League)
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Position: Central Midfielder / Left Midfielder
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Age: 23
Phan Tuan Tai is one of Vietnam’s most technically sound and intelligent midfielders. Initially making a name for himself in Vietnam’s U23 side with exceptional vision and crisp ball distribution, his rise caught the attention of scouts across Asia. In 2024, he sealed a move to Japan’s Shimizu S-Pulse, a team known for developing young talent and playing possession-based football.
His transition to Japanese football has been smooth thanks to his tactical discipline and versatility. Tuan Tai has alternated between central midfield and wide roles, becoming a key cog in Shimizu’s midfield. His short passing accuracy, pressing ability, and composure under pressure have made him one of the standout performers in the J2 League this season.
What sets him apart is his reading of the game. He rarely loses possession and often acts as the transitional bridge between defense and attack. Coaches in Japan have praised his professionalism, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Tuan Tai also brings leadership qualities, often serving as the emotional engine of the team.
While he hasn’t grabbed headlines with flashy goals, his consistency and influence on the pitch have earned him quiet respect. With Shimizu currently pushing for promotion back to the J1 League, Tuan Tai is poised to be a key figure in their ambitions.
7. Tran Danh Trung – Speedster in Malaysia Super League
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Current Club: Selangor FC (Malaysia Super League)
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Position: Winger / Forward
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Age: 24
Tran Danh Trung is known for his blistering pace, sharp dribbling, and knack for scoring goals in tight situations. After several impactful seasons in Vietnam, he transferred to Selangor FC in 2023, a club with historical prestige in Southeast Asia.
His electric performances have helped Selangor maintain their top-four status. With 9 goals and 7 assists last season, Danh Trung has become a nightmare for full-backs in the Malaysian Super League. His agility and ability to cut inside and shoot with either foot have drawn comparisons to Korean winger Hwang Hee-chan.
Despite his quiet demeanor off the pitch, his performance does all the talking. Vietnamese fans in Malaysia often attend Selangor’s matches just to watch him play.
8. Nguyen Van Toan – Fan Favorite in K League 2
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Current Club: Seoul E-Land FC (South Korea, K League 2)
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Position: Winger / Striker
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Age: 29
Nguyen Van Toan is a player whose energy and drive have made him a fan favorite wherever he plays. After building a strong reputation at Hoang Anh Gia Lai, he ventured abroad to South Korea in 2023. Though the K League 2 presents unique tactical challenges, Van Toan has flourished thanks to his pace and relentless work rate.
In Seoul E-Land FC, he’s used as both a winger and striker, depending on the game’s requirements. His ability to stretch defenses, win penalties, and press opponents makes him a vital component of the team. Last season, he contributed directly to 15 goals scoring 7 and assisting 8.
His growing fluency in Korean and connection with local fans have turned him into a beloved foreign star in the league. Back home, he remains a symbol of grit and consistency.
9. Nguyen Tien Linh – Vietnam’s Powerhouse Striker in Thai League
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Current Club: Muangthong United (Thailand)
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Position: Striker
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Age: 28
Nguyen Tien Linh is Vietnam’s modern-day target man tall, strong, and lethal in the box. His move to Muangthong United brought him into a more physically demanding league, but he has proven more than capable. With 15 goals in his debut season, Tien Linh is one of the top scorers in the Thai League.
He’s known for his aerial dominance, back-to-goal strength, and ability to score under pressure. Muangthong’s attack has been built around his skill set, and he’s paid them back with goals in key matches, including Thai League derbies and AFC Cup qualifiers.
His growing reputation may soon earn him a move to Japan or South Korea, but for now, he remains a central figure in Thai football and a hero back in Vietnam.
10. Pham Van Luan – The Underrated Engine in Singapore
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Current Club: Lion City Sailors (Singapore Premier League)
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Position: Central Midfielder
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Age: 25
Pham Van Luan may not get the same media attention as some of his peers, but football purists know the value he brings. Operating as a box-to-box midfielder, Van Luan has brought grit, determination, and technique to the Lion City Sailors, one of Singapore’s top clubs.
He contributes in all phases pressing, passing, and even scoring long-range goals. His tactical understanding has allowed him to thrive in a fast-paced league. With multiple Player of the Month awards under his belt, he’s quickly become one of the most reliable midfielders in the league.
Van Luan embodies the quiet strength of Vietnamese football. He’s focused, driven, and constantly improving. His success story is a testament to the power of consistency and discipline.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s Bright Football Future
These ten trailblazers are not only expanding their personal horizons they’re building bridges between Vietnamese football and the rest of the world. Whether in Europe’s competitive youth leagues, Japan’s tactical environment, or Southeast Asia’s vibrant stadiums, they’re representing the passion and skill of Vietnamese football.
Each of these athletes is a role model. Their stories inspire future stars to dream bigger and believe that Vietnamese talent belongs on the global stage.
