The canvas shoes of the talented striker from Gie Trieng.

Lam Ky, born in 2007, is a member of the Gie Trieng ethnic group from the former Kon Tum province (now part of Quang Ngai province). He is currently a first-year student in the Physical Education department at Quy Nhon University. His passion for football is what led him to this university.

The 19-year-old striker revealed: "I'm passionate about sports and football, so I chose to study physical education. Before that, I knew that Quy Nhon University had a strong football team that regularly participated in major tournaments, and I really liked it, so I decided to apply here."

As soon as he entered university, Lam Ky didn't miss the opportunity to participate in the team selection. With his talent and effort, he was named by head coach Thai Binh Thuan to the official squad for the TNSV THACO Cup 2026 regional qualifiers in Ho Chi Minh City.

Đôi giày vải của tiền đạo tài năng người Gié Triêng- Ảnh 1. — A Lam Ky in the Quy Nhon University team jersey.

On the football field, A Lam Ky's tireless running and aggressive play left a positive impression on fans. Even more remarkably, while most other players equipped themselves with professional football boots, the young man from Gie Trieng remained loyal to his simple choice: a pair of canvas sneakers costing only about 100,000 VND. For Lam Ky, the value of the shoes sometimes lies not in the price, but in the confidence and inspiration they bring, just like how his coaches and seniors always used them.

The striker, born in 2007, shared honestly: "Actually, I do have a pair of genuine shoes, but when I wear them, they don't fit my feet properly; they feel heavy somehow. I chose these canvas shoes; although inexpensive, they are very light and give me the best feel for the ball. For me, the most important thing is that I feel most comfortable playing football."

A Lam Ky's down-to-earth nature is in stark contrast to his sharp wit on the football field. After 3 group stage matches, A Lam Ky scored 2 crucial goals, contributing to Quy Nhon University's team securing a perfect 9 points to advance to the play-off round of the Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers.

Standing outside the sidelines observing his student, head coach Thai Binh Thuan couldn't hide his pride: "A Lam Ky is a talented player, and arguably the future face of the school's football team in the coming years. Although his playing style is still a bit immature and lacks experience, for a first-year student, what Ky has shown is already excellent. I believe that in the coming years, with more exposure, he will play even better."

A Lam Ky's current goal is very clear: to give his all with the team in the play-off round to win a ticket to Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) for the national finals next March. Ky said that each goal he scores is a thank you to his family, school, and the entire team for giving him the opportunity to fully pursue his passion.

The striker from Gie Trieng confided: "The Vietnam Student Sports Tournament is very large-scale and well-organized. Before, I never thought a student could participate in a professional tournament like this. That's why my teammates and I are determined to give our best in every match to reach the finals. Right now, the Quy Nhon University team must focus on overcoming the tense play-off match."