Vietnamese-German center-back valued at 24.5 billion VND makes an impressive return in Bundesliga 2

Following an extended period of battling injuries, Vietnamese-German defender Kenneth Schmidt has started to regain form at Fortuna Düsseldorf, creating opportunities to return to elite German football and serve the Vietnam national squad.

Kenneth Schmidt, a 1.89m tall center-back who was once a key player for SC Freiburg, is marking a promising comeback in Bundesliga 2 after years of persistent injuries. Previously valued at up to 3 million Euros and having participated in the Europa League, Schmidt holds experience from 10 Bundesliga appearances with Freiburg. However, ongoing injuries forced him down to Bundesliga 2, where he struggled to secure a starting position due to inconsistent performance and recurring fitness issues.

At the start of this season, Schmidt transferred to Fortuna Düsseldorf, another Bundesliga 2 club, and quickly earned the coaching staff’s trust. He has played in three consecutive matches since the season began, starting in two of them, indicating signs of recovery and solidifying his role in defense. Schmidt’s current market value is estimated at 800,000 Euros, equivalent to 24.5 billion VND. With consistent performance and defensive reliability, he has a real chance to return to Germany’s top clubs—where he once made his name—or attract attention from V-League teams eager to sign high-profile players.

Not only a hope for his club, Schmidt is also seen as an ideal candidate for the Vietnam national team. His ability to perform well as a left-sided center-back in a 3-4-3 formation that shifts into a 5-4-1 fits perfectly with coach Kim Sang-sik’s tactical philosophy, which emphasizes a strong and flexible defense. The presence of this 2002-born player could significantly enhance the defensive strength while providing additional options for ball circulation and spatial control in front of the goal.

Schmidt’s comeback is not only a personal story of determination and overcoming injury but also an opportunity for Vietnamese football to gain a center-back with international experience and potential. If he continues to maintain steady form at Fortuna Düsseldorf, Schmidt will not only reaffirm his value in Europe but also open doors to long-term plans in Vietnamese football, from the V-League to the national team.