Overseas Vietnamese player speaks out after being omitted from the national team call-up

Filip Nguyen has voiced his thoughts following his absence from the Vietnam squad's gathering ahead of the 2026 AFF Cup.

The June training camp of the Vietnam national team is drawing significant attention from fans, as coach Kim Sang Sik's call-up list features many new faces. While naturalized and overseas Vietnamese players are being given opportunities to shine, the absence of goalkeeper Nguyen Filip has become one of the most discussed topics in recent days.

After the national team roster was announced, Nguyen Filip officially commented on his non-participation in the preparation camp for the 2026 ASEAN Cup. The goalkeeper, who plays for CAHN, affirmed that he is always ready to contribute to the national team, but this decision was made after discussions and agreements between the club and the Vietnam Football Federation.

Sharing on his personal page, Nguyen Filip stated: "It is always a great honor for me to represent Vietnam, especially in an important tournament like the ASEAN Cup. However, after reaching an agreement between the club and the VFF, I will stay with the club to compete for a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite. I believe that if we succeed, this will be a long-term beneficial step not only for the club but also for Vietnamese football and the national team. I will definitely keep following and wish my teammates the best of luck."

The comments from the 1992-born goalkeeper quickly received widespread support from fans. CAHN's opportunity to compete for a berth in the AFC Champions League Elite makes Nguyen Filip's presence especially crucial. This is seen as a strategic decision serving the long-term goals of both the club and Vietnamese football.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam national team is undergoing a strong transition period under coach Kim Sang Sik. The arrival of naturalized and overseas Vietnamese players such as Patrick Le Giang, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Ngo Dang Khoa is creating intense competition across all positions. This also means that many familiar faces will need to work harder to secure their spots in the lineup.

Although he could not join this training camp, Nguyen Filip has shown professionalism and a commitment to the national team. With his proven quality over the years, the goalkeeper of Vietnamese-Czech heritage remains a key figure in Vietnamese football. Fans can fully expect him to return to the national team jersey in important tournaments ahead.