Reviewing the Top 10 Highlights of Vietnamese Football in 2025

Let's reflect on 2025, a year of great achievements for Vietnamese football, by revisiting its 10 standout moments.

The year 2025 has closed as a chronicle full of upheavals yet brilliantly vibrant for Vietnamese football. From tearful moments in the summer to overwhelming joy in late winter, let's recall 10 unforgettable highlights of this proud year.

1. Rajamangala Peak: Reclaiming the AFF Cup Throne

Starting the new year with an incredibly sweet scenario. By defeating Thailand at the iconic Rajamangala Stadium in the second leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final, the Vietnamese national team proudly claimed the championship. Seeing the red flag with a yellow star waving in the heart of Bangkok, surpassing our biggest rival, was a powerful affirmation of our top regional status.

2. Shock at the Asian Cup Qualifiers (June)

At a time when confidence was high, the 0-4 loss to Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers was a harsh blow to fans' pride. The dominance of the opponent's naturalized stars caused pain, but this setback marked the beginning of unexpected turning points to come.

3. Coach Kim Sang-sik and the Regional Double Triumph (July)

Just one month after the defeat, Vietnam's U23 team bounced back strongly to win the Southeast Asian U23 Championship. With this title, Coach Kim Sang-sik made history as the first strategist to complete a regional double championship within half a year, bringing new vitality to youth football.

4. The Low Point of the "Diamond Girls" (August)

At the 2025 Women's AFF Cup, the Vietnamese women's team finished third overall, watching Australia take the top spot. There was some regret, but this pause was necessary for the team to reflect and prepare for the inevitable generational transition.

5. Absolute Dominance in Continental Qualifiers (September)

Vietnam's U23 team continued to delight fans by winning all matches in the 2026 Asian U23 qualifiers. Their fiery style and the young players' resilience showed a worthy inheritance of dreams aiming for continental success.

6. Turning Point from FIFA: Justice Served (September)

A shocking revelation came when FIFA found Malaysia guilty of violations involving the naturalization of 7 players. Vietnam's chance to participate in the 2027 Asian Cup finals suddenly brightened again. The emotions were indescribable—both surprising and relieving as fairness and legitimacy in football were upheld.

7. The Return of "Hero" Xuân Son (October)

After a severe injury at the AFF Cup early in the year, Xuân Son's comeback on the pitch deeply moved fans.

Then in November, upon being called up, Xuân Son immediately scored for the Vietnamese team—one of the most touching moments. That goal was not just a score but a symbol of indomitable will and extraordinary perseverance.

8. The "7 Teams" Miracle – Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Japan (November)

When Vietnam's U17 team qualified for the Asian Finals, Vietnamese football officially set a historic milestone: Seven Vietnamese football teams secured spots in the final rounds of Asian tournaments including the men's U23, men's U17, women's football, women's U20, women's U17, men's futsal, and women's futsal teams. Previously, only Japan had achieved such a feat.

9. Thùy Trang and the Historic Futsal Gold Medal (December)

Vietnam's women's futsal team won their first-ever SEA Games gold medal. Individually, Trần Thị Thùy Trang became an unprecedented legend as the only player to win SEA Games gold in both 11-a-side football and futsal. Her relentless dedication earned widespread admiration.

10. SEA Games 33 and the Grand "Treble" (December)

The year 2025 ended perfectly with a victory over Thailand in the SEA Games 33 final. Coach Kim Sang-sik completed a magnificent "treble" (AFF Cup, Southeast Asian U23 Championship, SEA Games). Vietnamese football began and ended 2025 in the same way: Defeating Thailand and claiming the championship.