European-class overseas Vietnamese player makes his first start for Vietnam U23 team

In the recent friendly against Qatar U23, overseas Vietnamese player Trần Thành Trung was given his first opportunity to start for Vietnam U23.

In the rematch against Qatar U23, interim head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh boldly rotated almost the entire squad to give chances to younger and less frequently played players. Alongside goalkeeper Nguyễn Tân, defenders Nam Hải, Tuấn Phong, and forward Văn Thuận, Trần Thành Trung was selected to start in the central midfield position, a role demanding strategic thinking, control, and game rhythm management.

Making his first start for the Vietnam U23 team, Thành Trung played confidently, showing good technical skills and fluid coordination with teammates in midfield. Although Vietnam U23 started shakily and fell behind 2-0 early, the team fought back resiliently to reduce the deficit to 1-2 before halftime. For Thành Trung personally, the first 45 minutes on the pitch were significant, proving he is gradually adapting to the team’s playing style.

Born in 2005 in Bulgaria to a Vietnamese family, Trần Thành Trung holds dual citizenship of Vietnam and Bulgaria. He developed through the CSKA Sofia academy and has played for Slavia Sofia’s first team, a club competing in Bulgaria’s top league. Before returning to Vietnam to join Ninh Bình club for the 2025/26 V.League 1 season, Thành Trung had over 30 professional appearances in Europe, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist.

Standing 1.75 meters tall, this midfielder is known for his modern playing style focused on intelligent ball control and interception. In the 2024/25 season, he ranked among the top five U21 players with the most ball recoveries in European national leagues outside the top five leagues. He was highly rated by Barcelona scouts and frequently featured in Bulgaria’s youth teams from U17 to U21 levels.

Last month, Trần Thành Trung was called up by coach Kim Sang Sik to the Vietnam U23 squad preparing for the 2026 U23 Asian qualifiers. However, at that time he needed more time to adjust to the environment in Vietnam and was not given playing opportunities. Being selected to start under interim coach Đinh Hồng Vinh thus serves as a confirmation that this overseas Vietnamese player is capable of competing and contributing to national football.

After training in the UAE, Vietnam U23 will return home to continue preparations for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals. With an international training background and a strong desire to represent the national team, Trần Thành Trung is anticipated to be a new element that enhances creativity and resilience in midfield, helping the young generation of Vietnamese players strive for success.