An 18-year-old star nearly 2 meters tall joins the Vietnam national team

Following a period of notable displays at HAGL club, central defender Đinh Quang Kiệt has made it onto the Vietnam national team list for the FIFA Days matches in September.

After solid performances with HAGL in the V-League, defender Đinh Quang Kiệt has been named in Vietnam's squad for friendly matches against CAHN and Nam Định during the FIFA Days in September.

Born in 2007 and only 18 years old this year, Đinh Quang Kiệt is a young talent from Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu football before being selected for the 5th intake of the HAGL Academy. Since the end of last season, when HAGL secured their league status and Lý Đức got injured, Quang Kiệt has had regular playing opportunities in the V-League.

This season, with Lý Đức's departure, Quang Kiệt, standing tall at 1.96 meters, has been trusted to partner with defender Jairo. Previously, Đinh Quang Kiệt had some call-ups to Vietnam U23 but often did not make the final squad.

The current Vietnam squad also features many newcomers such as defender Trần Hoàng Phúc from Ho Chi Minh City Police and young striker Phạm Gia Hưng from Ninh Bình.

Additionally, several players are returning to the Vietnam national team after a long absence, including Lý Công Hoàng Anh (Thép Xanh Nam Định), Quan Văn Chuẩn (Hà Nội), Triệu Việt Hưng (Hải Phòng), and Phan Tuấn Tài (Thể Công - Viettel).

Since head coach Kim Sang Sik is busy leading the Vietnam U23 team in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers at the same time, the training duties for the senior national team have been assigned to the acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh.

During the training camp at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, the national team is scheduled to play two practice matches against Hanoi Police Club (on September 4) and Thép Xanh Nam Định Club (on September 7). With a squad featuring many skilled players, especially high-quality foreign recruits, these two teams will provide ideal opposition for Vietnam's tests.

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