The special 'trump card' of the Vietnam national team at the 2026 ASEAN Cup

With just 3 goals in 23 appearances for Hanoi FC in the 2025/26 campaign, Nguyen Hai Long has still managed to score 3 times while wearing the Vietnam jersey. Coached by Kim Sang Sik, the 26-year-old midfielder always finds a way to stand out thanks to his adaptability, proficient two-footed finishing, and deep tactical understanding, thus becoming a key asset for Vietnam at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

Some players shine at club level but fail to replicate that form for the national team. Hai Long, however, is taking the opposite path. In the 2025/26 season, the Hanoi FC midfielder scored only 3 goals in 23 outings—a modest tally for an attacking player. Yet when wearing the Vietnam shirt, Hai Long consistently reveals a different side, with an ability to create breakthroughs and score at crucial moments.

His three goals for the national team over the past two years are a clear testament to how well Hai Long fits into Coach Kim Sang Sik's philosophy. During the training camp in South Korea ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the 26-year-old once again made an impact by opening the scoring in a 2-1 win over Yongin FC, following his goal in a 6-0 victory against Siheung FC.

Hai Long is the only player to have scored in both of the first two friendly matches, demonstrating consistency amid the coaching staff's ongoing squad rotation.

Notably, Yongin FC was a stronger opponent, fielding their best lineup and competing in K-League 2. Even so, Hai Long managed to make his presence felt through intelligent movement, smart positioning, and decisive finishing.

It is no coincidence that Coach Kim Sang Sik always places his trust in the Hanoi FC midfielder. Hai Long is a versatile player capable of operating in multiple attacking roles—from attacking midfielder and winger to second striker. His ability to use both feet effectively, combined with his confidence in possession, consistently sets him apart.

That is also why Hai Long remains in the 27-player squad preparing for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, despite the national team boasting many quality options such as Xuan Son, Dinh Bac, Tai Loc, Hoang Hen, Viet Cuong, and Gia Hung.

In an increasingly fierce competition, especially with the addition of naturalized and overseas Vietnamese players, the 26-year-old midfielder has maintained his confidence. Hai Long himself has stated that competition only makes the team stronger, and every player must strive to earn their opportunity.

The 2024 ASEAN Cup was the turning point that made Hai Long a key figure for the national team. Fans still remember his long-range strike against Thailand in the second leg of the final, sealing a historic victory that helped Vietnam claim the championship.

Earlier, he also scored the opening goal of the campaign against Laos, becoming a special player who both started and concluded the Golden Star Warriors' triumphant journey.

After that tournament, Hai Long continued his goal-scoring knack under Kim Sang Sik with a beautiful free kick against Cambodia, a goal against Laos in Asian Cup qualifiers, and most recently two strikes during the training camp in South Korea. This demonstrates Hai Long's consistent form in the national team jersey.

At the club level, Hanoi FC has undergone numerous coaching changes, but Hai Long has gradually earned the trust of coach Harry Kewell. He has been given more opportunities, while some experienced seniors like Pham Tuan Hai have lost their places and missed this training camp.

Ahead of the Vietnam national team, there remains an important test against Gangwon FC before returning home to finalize preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Cup. However, based on his performances so far, Hai Long has strongly impressed the coaching staff.

If he maintains his current form, the player born in 2000 can certainly become a key factor in Vietnam's quest to defend the ASEAN Cup title in 2026.