When Dinh Bac grew up

The title of best player of the tournament is a reward for the growth and maturity of young striker Dinh Bac, who has gone through many ups and downs in his career.

Dinh Bac has changed.

Before the Southeast Asian U.23 Championship, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac was a name that still raised some doubts among experts. However, in terms of talent, the player born in 2004 has fully proven his worth.

Dinh Bac was discovered by coach Philippe Troussier and promoted to the Vietnam U23 team for the 2024 U23 Asian Championship qualifiers (held in September 2023). After only 3 weeks of training, Troussier immediately saw the immense potential of the player who possessed both good height (1.79 m) and the ability to dribble, break through defenses, and finish with the abundant energy of youth.

Dinh Bac played well at the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Championship.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Dinh Bac scored for the Vietnamese national team in his debut match (a 2-0 victory against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers), and then turned the match against Japan at the 2023 Asian Cup into his own stage with a goal and a series of confident ball handling displays. This was despite facing a team that had just one year beaten Germany and Spain in the World Cup.

Dinh Bac was confident, even a little arrogant, but the fame came too soon, causing the striker from Nghe An to go through a period of decline afterward. Controversies at Quang Nam FC and a difficult early time at Hanoi Police FC (CAHN FC) hindered the progress of one of the most promising young stars. Dinh Bac needed a boost to break through, and the U.23 Southeast Asian Championship came at the right time, becoming a stepping stone to bring the 21-year-old striker back to where he belongs.

The best player of the Southeast Asian U.23 tournament returned home with scratches on his neck.

At the Southeast Asian U.23 Championship, Dinh Bac was no longer the star of the Vietnam U.23 team. The striker from CAHN Club was just one piece of the puzzle, like many others, in the hands of coach Kim Sang-sik. In the role of center forward, Dinh Bac was tasked with holding the ball and waiting to combine with teammates.

Given that the Vietnam U23 team relies heavily on crosses and long balls in this year's tournament, the pressure on Dinh Bac is even greater. The 21-year-old striker has to play with his back to the goal, facing pressure from opponents, and even foul play. Images of Dinh Bac being subjected to rough tackles by opponents have appeared at least five times. However, this is a very normal pressure for a leading striker.

Dinh Bac not only became a target striker, but he also had to press and run constantly to create pressure. Coach Kim Sang-sik doesn't allow his players to "walk around." He has previously dropped many veterans from the Vietnamese national team simply because they didn't meet the fitness criteria. For young players, the demands are even greater.

Dinh Bac takes throw-ins, takes corner kicks, creates chances, scores goals... and fulfills all the duties in the attacking line.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Dinh Bac delivered. His tireless runs in the final, and in the matches before that, were the fire that Coach Kim wanted to see. Leaving aside talent, a player is only trusted when they possess sufficient ambition and a spirit of sacrifice for the team. Dinh Bac was recognized because he was such a player.

A 'cool' head

When the Indonesian U23 team clashed with the Vietnamese U23 team, Dinh Bac was surrounded by opponents who tried to choke him. Despite this, the striker under coach Kim did not retaliate. He raised his hands, trying to escape the encirclement. Dinh Bac did not fight back because any action that crossed the line would risk a yellow card, especially in a final match with referees and VAR.

By avoiding confrontation, controlling his reactions, and not giving in to momentary emotions, Dinh Bac has truly matured. The value of a player lies not only in goals or assists, which Dinh Bac has already done well (2 goals, 1 assist in this year's tournament), but also in those "fiery" moments like this.

After their team lost to Vietnam U23, what did the Indonesian press say?

Dinh Bac has maintained his composure. He is no longer the easily angered player who used to need his coach standing near the sidelines to remind him of his responsibilities. The early challenges of his career have helped the player from Nghe An province become calmer and more thoughtful. Fire is born to test gold, and it is these difficulties that forge strong, resilient individuals.

Watch the Mandiri Cup™ 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Football Championship live and in its entirety onFPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khi-dinh-bac-truong-thanh-185250730115231513.htm