Vietnamese prodigy signs contract with a European top-flight club

Young Vietnamese talent Pham Anh Khoi has just officially signed his first professional contract at the age of 17 with Belgian powerhouse Royal Antwerp.

Royal Antwerp FC (RAFC) has announced the signing of Khoi Pham Anh, a promising 17-year-old Vietnamese-origin player. Khoi will join the Young Reds, Antwerp’s U23 team, for the 2025/26 season, marking a major milestone in his football career.

Khoi Pham Anh was born and raised in Belgium, holding Belgian nationality but of Vietnamese descent. He joined Royal Antwerp’s youth academy at the U11 level and has spent years developing in Belgium’s elite football environment. Being awarded his first professional contract at 17 reflects the club’s recognition of Khoi’s talent and potential for growth in the Jupiler Pro League.

Speaking about the contract, Jean Kindermans, RAFC’s Head of Youth Development, expressed his expectations: “Khoi is a creative attacking player, capable of playing in various positions up front. He possesses speed, refined ball control, and impressive dribbling ability. We believe these qualities will allow Khoi to make a difference and play an important role for the U23 team next season.”

With his technical, intelligent playing style and ability to create breakthroughs, Khoi Pham Anh is expected to become a standout member of the Young Reds in the upcoming season. Moreover, the progress of this 17-year-old Vietnamese-origin player could soon earn him a place in the first team.

Khoi’s signing with Royal Antwerp has also attracted attention from Vietnamese football fans. As more players of Vietnamese origin make their mark in Europe, Khoi’s development is seen as a very positive sign.

Royal Antwerp is investing heavily in its youth generation, and Khoi Pham Anh stands out as one of the brightest talents in their long-term plans. The club has won the Belgian league title five times and the national cup four times, including a double in the 2022/23 season. In European competitions, they reached the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1992/93.