Dinh Bac is enjoying the most successful year of his professional career. The 22-year-old forward secured the V-League title with Hanoi Police FC before spearheading Vietnam's championship run at the ASEAN Cup 2026, where he claimed both the Most Valuable Player award and a share of the Golden Boot alongside teammate Nguyen Xuan Son.

FIFA featured him in its top six players to watch, praising his stellar campaign. This has been the most successful year of Dinh Bac's career. After winning the domestic league with CAHN, he helped Vietnam conquer the ASEAN Cup while earning MVP and joint top scorer honors. Therefore, it is no surprise that the 22-year-old forward continues to be one of Vietnam's brightest hopes at the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

He shares the spotlight with regional and international stars such as Thailand's Teerasak Poeiphimai, Singapore's Shah Shahiran, Bangladesh's Hamza Choudhury, Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Emil Audero of Indonesia, and Brazil-born Bergson da Silva of Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Ngo Dang Khoa, known as Khoa Ngo, represents a compelling narrative. After winning the National Cup with CA Ho Chi Minh City, he received a national team call-up from head coach Kim Sang Sik but initially faced a setback due to a meniscus injury.

Thanh Chung's injury subsequently opened the door for his inclusion. Ahead of Vietnam's opening match against the Philippines at 19:30 on September 26, the world governing body placed Dang Khoa among the tournament's top five young players to watch, alongside Isaiah Alakiu (Philippines), Pavithran Gunalan (Malaysia), Teerapat Pruetong (Thailand), and Luke Vickery (Indonesia).

FIFA wrote on its website: "Born and raised in Western Australia to Vietnamese parents, 20-year-old Ngo moved to Vietnam to play his club football earlier this year. Having obtained Vietnamese citizenship in May, he’s now one of three uncapped players in Kim Sang-sik’s side. An electric winger with fine dribbling skills, he is regarded as one of the brightest young attacking talents in Southeast Asia."

National team begins FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 journey

VOV.VN - Following their journey from Hanoi, the Vietnam national football team arrived in Indonesia on the afternoon of September 23 to gear up for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.