Thai media widely reported that the former Liverpool legend has arrived in Vietnam.

Recently, Hanoi FC announced that former star Harry Kewell will become their new head coach following a challenging start to the new season, attracting significant attention from regional media.

Hanoi FC officially appointed Harry Kewell, former Liverpool star and UEFA Champions League winner, as the new head coach of the capital’s club. This event quickly drew major attention in Southeast Asia, as Kewell was once a candidate to lead a Thai club but ultimately chose to join the Vietnamese team.

According to GOAL Thailand, Kewell previously negotiated with PTT Prachuap FC and even held an online meeting with the club’s leadership. However, the deal fell through, and the Australian star decided to sign with Hanoi FC. Thai press emphasized that Hanoi FC’s successful recruitment of a major “star” who played in the Premier League and won the Champions League demonstrates the ambition of Vietnamese football to reach new heights.

In the official statement, Hanoi FC affirmed that appointing Harry Kewell is part of a strategy to elevate the club both in terms of expertise and image. After over two decades of becoming one of Vietnam’s most successful teams, Hanoi FC continues to aim for success on the continental stage. Signing Kewell is not just about strengthening the coaching staff but also a message affirming the capital’s football’s aspiration for international integration.

Born in 1978, Harry Kewell played for Leeds United and Liverpool, becoming well-known in the Premier League during the 2000s. He won the 2004/2005 Champions League with Liverpool and the 2006 FA Cup. Internationally, Kewell earned 56 caps for Australia, scoring 17 goals and participating in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

After retiring, he began his coaching career in England, managing several lower league clubs such as Crawley Town and Notts County. In 2022, he joined Celtic’s coaching staff before moving to Yokohama F. Marinos in 2024, where he helped the Japanese club finish as runners-up in the AFC Champions League.

The arrival of a coach who was once a global star will surely bring fresh energy to Hanoi FC. After three matches as interim coach, Yusuke Adachi will return to his role as Technical Director to further develop the youth training system, while Kewell will fully focus on leading the first team.

Harry Kewell’s joining Hanoi FC has not only created a buzz in Vietnam but also attracted significant regional interest. This is seen as a strategic move for the capital’s football to embrace a modern identity and aim for continental prominence in the coming years.