Not called up to the national team, Vietnamese prodigy ranked in the global top 60 immediately scores a goal.

Unable to play with the U19 Vietnam team, prodigy Gia Bao creates a stir with an impressive performance that helps HAGL beat Hanoi.

U19 Vietnam participates in the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship without their strongest squad, as many key players are busy competing with their club teams in the V-League or First Division. Among them is a trio consisting of center-back Dinh Quang Kiet, forward Gia Bao (HAGL), and Le Phat of Ninh Binh.

In Round 25, HAGL proved their decision was absolutely correct by keeping Gia Bao to play in the V-League rather than letting him join the U19 Vietnam squad. The prodigy born in 2008 shone, helping HAGL stage an incredible comeback to defeat Hanoi FC and successfully secure their top-flight survival.

Gia Bao was brought on in the second half with HAGL trailing Hanoi by one goal. Just one minute after entering the pitch, the 2008-born prodigy immediately made his mark with a rapid burst down the flank, delivering a dangerous cross that caused Vietnam national team defender Thanh Chung to awkwardly score an own goal.

Not stopping there, Gia Bao then directly put his name on the scoresheet, giving HAGL a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute. This time it was from the left side: the prodigy who once tore through Japan's U17 defense dribbled past another Vietnam national team defender, Xuan Manh, before calmly placing a shot past the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.

Gia Bao's impressive form has left everyone in awe. At just 18 years old, HAGL's rising star has shown immense composure and excellence. Holding the record as the youngest goalscorer in V-League history from two seasons ago, the 18-year-old Gia Bao is maturing and becoming more dangerous day by day. Although he cannot participate in the ASEAN U19 Championship with U19 Vietnam, he is certain to be a key striker for U20 Vietnam when the team competes in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Late last year, the prestigious English newspaperThe Guardianreleased its list ofNext Generation 2025: 60 of the best young talents in world football,featuring 60 of the most promising young talents in world football. Notably, alongside many standout names from Europe and South America, Vietnamese football surprisingly had one representative on the list: Tran Gia Bao.