Asian glory does not guarantee positions for Vietnam's U23 players

The bronze medal at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals once brought great pride to Vietnam's U23 team. Many young talents emerged from the tournament with high expectations from fans. However, upon returning to the grind of the V-League, things are far from simple.

What is unfolding inthe V-Leagueactually reveals a familiar pattern. That is, top-level football always involves a process ofa ruthless "filtering", where only the most resilient and consistent players can endure long-term.

Among the most notable names after the tournament in Saudi Arabia,Dinh Bacis likely the one facing the most pressure.

The striker born in 2004 shone brightly by winning the tournament's top scorer title with 4 goals and 2 assists, becoming the spearhead of Vietnam U23's attack.

That impressive form led many to even envision Dinh Bac going abroad in the near future. But the V-League is not a stage for short-term explosive moments.

After returning to Hanoi Police Club, Dinh Bac experienced the harshness of professional football with a scoring drought extending to 13 matches, equivalent to over 1,000 minutes of play without a goal.

For a striker, that number is enough to feel immense pressure. And only goals can answer questions about value.

If placed in historical context, that pressure becomes even more understandable. Following the runner-up feat of Vietnam U23 at the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals, the generation of Nguyen Quang Hai, Bui Tien Dung, Phan Van Duc, Nguyen Cong Phuong, and Ha Duc Chinh was expected to dominate Vietnamese football for years.

In reality, the subsequent journey revealed a different story. After the glory in Changzhou in 2018 under Park Hang Seo, which even achieved better results than the present, many talents gradually faded over time.

Up to now, only a few names like Quang Hai, Doan Van Hau, central defender Bui Tien Dung, or Duy Manh have maintained their status for years. The rest either declined in form, suffered injuries, or simply could not overcome the fierce competition of professional football.

Asuccessful tournament does not guarantee a long-term career. The Vietnam U23 generation that just won the bronze medal in Saudi Arabia is also beginning to enter that filtering phase.

Besides Dinh Bac, many other young players are facing difficulties at their clubs. Some have to accept substitute roles, some have not found stable form.

Part of the reason lies in the V-League environment itself. This is a long-term league where players must maintain form over many months, facing experienced defenders and quality foreign players. The skills that helped players shine in youth tournaments sometimes no longer provide an advantage when stepping up to a higher level.

For Dinh Bac, the challenge is even greater as he plays for a star-studded team like CAHN. The attack of this club boasts quality foreign players and seasoned attacking players, making it nearly impossible for a young striker to become the focal point of the playstyle. In that context, getting regular playing time is already a crucial step.

But the harsh filtering process of the V-League is not the end for young talents. On the contrary, it is the necessary test for their maturity. Players who overcome this difficult phase will become more resilient, more stable, and capable of rising to become true pillars.

The glory of a youth tournament can arrive quickly, but it can also fade away after just a few months. For Dinh Bac and the current Vietnam U23 generation, the road ahead remains long.