Vietnamese Overseas Player Called Up, Coach Kim Sang-sik Expresses Gratitude to Ninh Binh Club Chairman

Following the official call-up of Vietnamese overseas midfielder Chung Nguyen Do (Vietnamese name Trần Thành Trung) to the Vietnam U23 squad, Coach Kim Sang-sik expressed his emotional reflections on the occasion.

The Korean coach emphasized that the process of calling up Chung Nguyen Do was a collective effort involving many parties, including significant support from the leadership of Ninh Binh Club, the player's parent club.

Coach Kim Sang-sik stated on the official VFF website: "Our team and analysts constantly monitor players competing abroad closely. At the same time, I would like to sincerely thank the leaders who have always cared about and accompanied the development of Vietnamese football. In particular, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Chairman of Ninh Binh Club, who consistently demonstrates patriotism, is ready to facilitate and create opportunities for Vietnamese players playing far from home to return and continue contributing to the growth of national football."

Chung Nguyen Do, born in 2005, developed through the youth academy of Slavia Sofia (Bulgaria) and has represented Bulgaria’s youth teams multiple times before FIFA approved his sports nationality switch to represent Vietnam. Known for his game management, skillful technique, and excellent ball distribution, this midfielder is expected to bring creativity to the Vietnam U23 midfield under Coach Kim Sang-sik’s leadership.

The decision to call up Chung Nguyen Do also reflects a shift in the Vietnamese Football Federation’s (VFF) policy in searching for and utilizing Vietnamese overseas players.

The active support from Ninh Binh Club’s chairman to give Chung Nguyen Do the chance to contribute to the national team is seen as a milestone, opening doors for many other Vietnamese overseas players competing in Europe and other countries to return and wear the Vietnamese colors.

Trần Thành Trung’s presence in the U23 team not only holds professional significance but also serves as a major morale boost, affirming the appeal and growth potential of Vietnamese football. Coach Kim Sang-sik believes that blending players trained in Europe with young domestic talents will strengthen the Vietnam U23 squad in their quest to qualify and compete in the 2025 AFC U23 Championship.