30 "rough diamonds" follow in the footsteps of Cong Phuong and Ly Duc to join the Nutifood Academy

The Nutifood Football Academy unveiled the 30 most outstanding young prospects for its fourth intake following a nationwide screening of close to 4,000 applicants.

After months of recruitment drives across the country, Nutifood Football Academy has officially released the list of 30 admitted students for Cohort 4. These are the most exceptional individuals chosen from nearly 4,000 applicants, marking the beginning of a seven-year training program at one of Vietnam's premier youth football academies.

This year's selection process was highly competitive, with a sharp increase in the number of registered candidates. From preliminary rounds to the finals, the young players underwent a series of stringent tests in technique, physical fitness, situational awareness, and tactical thinking. Only 30 standout individuals—26 outfield players and 4 goalkeepers—secured entry, with enrollment expected to start on August 15.

Behind the selection process is an experienced team of experts from the Nutifood Academy, including Mr. Guillaume Graechen, who previously helped nurture the famous generation of Vietnamese footballers such as Cong Phuong, Tuan Anh, and Xuan Truong. According to the French expert's assessment, this year's candidates were quite evenly matched, with many possessing solid technical foundations and a modern understanding of the game for their age.

The admissions committee focused not only on current professional ability but also paid special attention to future development potential. Factors such as competitive spirit, learning capacity, curiosity, and personal character were all thoroughly evaluated before final decisions were made. This is considered a key criterion for building professional players who can thrive sustainably in a high-level football environment.

One distinctive feature of the Nutifood Academy is its holistic training model. Throughout the seven-year program, students receive full support for living expenses, academic education, language learning, training, and competition. Alongside football skill development, they are taught life skills, social knowledge, and are guided by a team of psychologists to build mental toughness in the face of professional competitive pressure.

After nearly a decade of operation, the Nutifood Academy has contributed to providing many promising talents for Vietnamese football, such as Ly Duc, Quoc Viet, Nhat Minh, and Quoc Cuong. With the arrival of 30 new Cohort 4 students, fans continue to hope that the academy will uncover more new talents, helping to raise the quality of national teams and build a solid foundation for the future of Vietnamese football.