'Nearly 2-meter-tall' goal-scoring 'assassin' from Belarus demands Vietnam's attention

At 27 years old, Vietnamese-Belarusian forward Anton Nguyễn, who is 1.90m tall, has steadily matured in Belarus with the dream of coming back to the V-League and serving Vietnamese football.

Amid the wave of scouting Vietnamese overseas players for Vietnamese football, Anton Nguyễn stands out as a unique case: not flashy, without heavy media attention, but possessing rare qualities for a striker developed in Europe.

At 27, Anton Nguyễn has passed the experimental phase and is entering the prime stage of a professional player. This is when physical fitness, tactical awareness, and competitive spirit reach a balance, especially important for a striker trained in Eastern European football, which emphasizes strength and physical contact.

Anton holds Belarusian nationality; his mother is Belarusian and his father Vietnamese. This background makes him frequently mentioned as a potential Vietnamese overseas player option if conditions align.

Anton’s career is closely linked with clubs in the Belarusian Second and Third divisions. Although he has never played in the top national league, his persistence over several seasons in these competitive tiers demonstrates his real ability. Belarus is a tough environment to survive in, where defenders are often tall, aggressive, and require forwards to be resilient to adapt.

Technically, Anton is a rare type of striker for Vietnamese football. He is 1.90m tall, strong in aerial duels, often gaining advantage in set-piece and aerial situations.

Besides his physique, Anton can shoot with both feet, maneuver in tight spaces, and hold up the ball for his teammates—qualities essential for a lone striker. His ability to score and play a key role in Belarus indicates he relies not only on physicality but also on positioning and spatial awareness inside the penalty area.

What draws significant attention from Vietnamese fans is Anton Nguyễn’s desire to reconnect with his roots. This dream began when he was 18, during his first trip with family to visit his paternal homeland. That trip left a deep impression on him about life in Vietnam, and he even had a trial opportunity at a domestic club, though it didn’t come to fruition due to various obstacles.

Reflecting on that period, Anton Nguyễn said: "In 2016, my family and I visited my father’s hometown. I loved the lifestyle there—the friendly people, peaceful scenery, and affordable prices. An uncle once tried to arrange a trial for me at a nearby club, but it didn’t work out."

Later, the striker born in 1998 reaffirmed his wish: "I really want to come to Vietnam for a trial, but financial barriers remain.". Nevertheless, the passion to play in the V.League and, beyond that, the ambition to contribute to the Vietnamese national team has always stayed with Anton throughout his career journey.

Unlike some overseas Vietnamese players who see Vietnam as a backup option, Anton shows a very practical attitude. He is willing to start at the club level, viewing the V.League as an environment to adapt and prove himself, rather than putting pressure on immediate national team selection.

In the context of Vietnamese football still struggling with the striker position, a 1.90m tall, independent striker who can hold up play like Anton Nguyễn is clearly a tactical option worth considering, especially against Southeast Asian rivals. Of course, challenges like climate, pitch conditions, and match tempo are inevitable, but at 27, this is an ideal time for a player to seek a new turning point.

Anton Nguyễn is not a distant promise for the future but a player ready to face new challenges. If the V-League door truly opens, this 1.90m striker may not instantly cause a sensation but has the capability to offer a distinct, practical option that Vietnamese football should seriously consider.