Polish-Vietnamese footballer causing a stir in the V-League suddenly goes missing

Vietnamese-Polish midfielder Damian Vũ Thanh An continues to be omitted from Thể Công Viettel’s lineup for the 8th round of the 2025/2026 V.League.

The registered squad list for Thể Công Viettel’s away match against Hoàng Anh Gia Lai at 5:00 PM on October 26, Round 8 of the 2025/2026 V.League, reveals a notable detail: midfielder Damian Vũ Thanh An is again not included. Although he traveled with the team to Pleiku for training and match preparation, the young player born in 2003 was not listed by coach Velizar Popov.

Damian’s prolonged absence has sparked curiosity among fans. After scoring just two minutes after coming on in the Round 2 match against Công an TP.HCM, he has not had another chance to play. That goal was once seen as a potential turning point for the Polish-Vietnamese player’s career.

However, since that match, Damian has been left out of the squad for seven consecutive games across all competitions. The last time he appeared on the list was in Round 3 against Becamex TP.HCM, where he remained an unused substitute. The coaching staff’s patience indicates that Coach Popov aims to give the young player time to better adapt to Vietnam’s playing style and match intensity.

Damian Vũ Thanh An, of mixed Vietnamese and Polish heritage, stands 1.83 meters tall and can perform well as both a midfielder and forward. Before moving to Vietnam, he developed at Olimpia Grudziądz, competed in Poland’s fourth division, and was loaned to Stal Brzeg. His time playing in Europe helped him gain valuable experience and refine his tactical understanding.

During his introduction at Thể Công Viettel, Coach Popov praised Damian highly, describing him as confident, technically skilled, fast, and tactically modern. The Bulgarian strategist also mentioned that Damian requires more time to integrate fully, given the significant differences between European and Vietnamese football environments.

Although he has yet to return to the field, Damian continues to receive strong support from Thể Công Viettel fans. His dedication during training and eagerness to improve could be the key factors that help this Vietnamese-Polish player make a comeback, revitalizing the team’s attack and boosting the soldiers’ squad in the next phase of the season.