Xuân Son receives an unprecedented honor in the history of the Vietnam National Team

The Vietnam National Team officially announces its new leadership, with Quang Hải retaining the captain's armband and Xuân Son taking on the role of vice-captain for the first time.

The Vietnam national team has officially determined its leadership group during the training camp ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026. According to a decision from the coaching staff, Nguyễn Quang Hải will serve as captain, while the two vice-captains are Nguyễn Hoàng Đức and Nguyễn Xuân Son. Notably, this marks the first time naturalized striker Xuân Son has been included in the national team's leadership group.

The change at the captain position comes as defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh has been unable to train normally due to his ongoing treatment and recovery from injury. During the FIFA Days in March, Duy Mạnh was captain, while Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức served as vice-captains. With the former captain absent, the coaching staff chose Quang Hải—one of the most experienced and influential players currently—to take over the armband.

This decision is considered fully deserved given what Quang Hải has shown over the years. Not only is he a leader in terms of professionalism, but the 1997-born midfielder also consistently demonstrates a sense of responsibility, professionalism, and the ability to connect team members. This is not the first time Quang Hải has taken on a leading role, as he previously wore the captain's armband at the U20 and U23 levels, and now continues to be trusted at the national team level.

Additionally, Quang Hải has just enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season with his club, Công An Hà Nội. The midfielder played a key role in helping the team win the V.League title, and was voted the Best Player of the Season. His consistent form and vast experience are the basis for the coaching staff's trust in him during the journey to defend the Southeast Asian championship.

In the role of vice-captain, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức continues to be part of the leadership group after having been trusted multiple times previously. Meanwhile, the fact that Nguyễn Xuân Son has been entrusted with this responsibility for the first time is seen as a special milestone. After a period of integration with the team, the 1997-born striker has increasingly asserted his role both on the pitch and in the dressing room, becoming a bridge between experienced players and the group of naturalized and overseas Vietnamese players.

Completing the leadership group at the very beginning of the training camp shows that the coaching staff is aiming to build a united, cohesive, and resilient squad before entering the ASEAN Cup 2026. With Quang Hải as captain, supported by Hoàng Đức and Xuân Son, the Vietnam national team is expected to have a leadership framework capable of guiding the entire squad toward the goal of defending the regional championship.