Commentator Quang Huy: 'Vietnamese football must preserve its identity amid the wave of naturalization'

* The use of naturalized players is always a sensitive and controversial issue in many countries. Is the Malaysian case a warning for Southeast Asian nations?

- It started with the ambition to shorten the gap with Asia’s top teams. Clearly, Malaysia lacked persistence in investing in youth systems and infrastructure, opting instead for the shortcut of naturalizing players. This strategy is not unfamiliar, as many regional teams have adopted it, but the key is that the process must be transparent and fully comply with FIFA regulations.

This incident also serves as a wake-up call for Malaysian football regarding its mass use of naturalized players. Instead of building a sustainable domestic squad, they relied heavily on foreign resources. When this group was suspended, Malaysia’s national team strength severely declined. A lineup dependent on foreign players will struggle to maintain performance when reverting to a domestic squad that is neither deep nor internationally experienced.

* Naturalization has become an unstoppable trend, but Vietnamese football must still prioritize youth training, right?

- Naturalization is an inevitable trend in global football, especially for developing football nations like those in Southeast Asia. The rapid changes in regional football due to naturalization policies raise a pressing question for Vietnamese football: Should it prioritize traditional identity or boldly change to pursue international success?

Naturalizing players and utilizing overseas Vietnamese talent is an essential trend to improve the national team’s quality, but Vietnam still needs careful selection and a solid youth training foundation for sustainable development. Naturalizing a few outstanding players is only a short-term solution. For long-term success, the national league remains key. A strong football foundation cannot rely solely on quick fixes.

I always believe the core of a strong football nation is a quality national league, a good youth development system, and talented local players. Naturalization is a supportive measure but cannot replace the foundational building process.

* From this, it is clear that Vietnamese football must have a specific strategy for its path amid the Southeast Asian wave of naturalization?

- In my personal view, regardless of what other countries do, Vietnam must develop from the roots, have policies and legal frameworks, and be steadfast in developing professional football so that professional clubs become wealthier and stronger. Strong clubs produce good players, and good players make a strong national team.

In this context, Vietnamese football needs to leverage its advantages well, continue building its youth force, and remain committed to sustainable and transparent development. The lesson from Malaysia shows that success cannot be based on short-term solutions but must come from long-term, serious investment and adherence to international rules. This is the foundation for Vietnam’s team to aim for major goals and assert its position on the continental stage.

On a broader scale, this incident also positively impacts Southeast Asian football. Regional teams have a fairer chance to compete, reducing the huge gap caused by Malaysia’s mass naturalization policy. At the same time, it reminds national football associations to be transparent and comply with international regulations to avoid severe penalties.

* Is this also an opportunity for Vietnamese football to comprehensively reflect on itself?

- This will act like a mirror for Vietnamese football to look at itself comprehensively, not just in terms of personnel but also structure, mindset, and long-term ambitions. There is no sustainable shortcut in football, such as the mass rush to naturalize foreign players like other countries, which both loses identity and deprives young domestic players of opportunities.

The key is clubs must generate revenue; struggling clubs find it difficult. Without money, how can they train youth? Currently, clubs still rely on corporate sponsorships. The fundamental factor is how to have good facilities and skilled coaches to train good players.

In the long run, we still need a strategy based on domestic human resources. Most importantly, continued strong investment in youth training and improving the national league’s quality is essential to create a strong national team.

* Thank you very much for the conversation!