Indonesian Newspaper Praises Coach Kim Sang Sik and Vietnamese Football

An Indonesian publication recently covered the accomplishments of Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team throughout 2025. The recognition of Kim Sang Sik as the outstanding coach of the year was also noted.

According to the announced results, Kim Sang Sik scored a total of 532 points, the highest among the nominees. This is seen as clear acknowledgment of a year in which the Vietnamese teams demonstrated stability, efficiency, and superior competitiveness in Southeast Asia under the guidance of the Korean strategist.

As reported by Indonesia’s CNN, in 2025, Kim Sang Sik led Vietnamese football to win three major titles, spanning from the national team level to the U23 squad. These achievements not only reflect match results but also highlight the tactical impact and organizational mindset he brought. The newspaper emphasized three key triumphs of Coach Kim Sang Sik in 2025: the AFF Cup, the U23 Southeast Asian Championship, and the 33rd SEA Games.

The first title came early in the year when the national team Vietnam won the AFF Cup 2024. On their path to victory, Vietnam defeated Indonesia 1-0 in a crucial round before overcoming Thailand in the final. The disciplined playstyle, good control of tempo, and effectiveness at critical moments were notable strengths of Vietnam’s team under Kim Sang Sik’s leadership.

At the youth level, the U23 Vietnamese team continued their success. At the 2025 U23 AFF Cup held in Jakarta, Kim Sang Sik’s squad won the championship by defeating the host Indonesia U23 in the final. Experts highly praised this victory for the team’s solid defensive organization and the maturity in the young players’ mentality.

The most impressive achievement of the year was the Gold Medal at the 33rd SEA Games, where U23 Vietnam overcame host Thailand in the final. This title holds special significance, not only because of the competition’s intensity but also due to maintaining Vietnam’s leading position in regional football . Many specialists believe this success reflects a clear inheritance from the golden era and also indicates a new advancement in squad depth.

The newspaper further added: "Kim (Coach Kim Sang Sik) also helped the Vietnam U23 team qualify for the final round of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. This is considered a significant accomplishment, as other ASEAN teams like Indonesia failed to qualify."

Thanks to these contributions, U23 Vietnam was also honored as Vietnam’s Best Team of 2025. The two major titles at the 2025 U23 AFF Cup and the 33rd SEA Games are seen as the important foundation for this recognition.