Tiến Linh eagerly hopes that Coach Kim Sang Sik will give him a chance on the Vietnam national team.

Following the National Cup victory alongside CLB Công An TP.HCM, Nguyễn Tiến Linh aspires to once again receive the chance to represent Vietnam under Coach Kim Sang Sik.

Winning the 2025/26 National Cup with CLB Công An TP.HCM not only brought Nguyễn Tiến Linh the joy of a title, but also opened up hope for a new chapter in his career. After a long period facing pressure and declining form, the striker born in 1997 is now aiming for his biggest goal: to continue wearing the Vietnam national team jersey.

The final match, held in Ninh Bình on the evening of June 14, was attended by Coach Kim Sang Sik in the stands. As the Vietnam national team prepares for important tournaments, the performance of the players received special attention. For Tiến Linh, this was not just a cup final, but also a chance to reaffirm his determination to return to the red jersey.

Although he played only 162 minutes in the National Cup and entered the final match for a short time, Tiến Linh still made his mark with a dangerous counterattack that forced goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm to make a save. His first title with the new club became even more meaningful as he took on the role of captain during a challenging phase of his career.

The 2025/26 season witnessed one of the toughest periods for Tiến Linh, as he went through a streak of 17 consecutive matches without scoring. The drop in form caused the 2024 Vietnam Golden Ball winner to face considerable doubt. However, his goals in the latter part of the season partly signaled a revival for the leading Vietnamese striker.

With 6 goals in the V-League and one more in the National Cup, Tiến Linh believes he still has much to contribute. The 28-year-old striker aims to improve his performance with CLB Công An TP.HCM while striving to rediscover the scoring instinct that has defined his career over the years.

Ahead of the upcoming training camp for the Vietnam national team, Tiến Linh is still waiting for the opportunity for Coach Kim Sang Sik to place his trust in him. With the ASEAN Cup approaching, the desire to contribute to the national team remains strong for the striker from Hải Dương. Winning the National Cup may not be the strongest statement, but it serves as an important stepping stone for Tiến Linh to keep hope alive of returning and continuing his journey with the Vietnam national team.