An unprecedented champion in V.League history.

Having played 23 matches, winning 19 and averaging 2.61 points per game, Hanoi Police FC is on its way to becoming the most formidable champion in V.League history.

ZNews•21/05/2026

CAHN began a major personnel overhaul immediately after winning the championship. Photo: Hanoi Police Club .

As of the end of round 23 of the 2025/26 season, Hanoi Police FC had earned 60 points after 23 matches, averaging nearly 2.61 points per game. They not only secured the championship early but also boasted an "unbelievable" record unmatched by any other team in history. The previous record belonged to another Hanoi FC team in the 2018 season, which only achieved 2.46 points per game.

With three matches remaining, Nguyen Quang Hai could even surpass his current record. They promise an even more explosive season next year as they are preparing and adding a number of quality players.

Continuing to extend contracts for key players.

With Vietnam's participation in the AFC Champions League and the Southeast Asian Club Championship play-offs next season, Hanoi Police FC is already preparing its squad for these two competitions. According to Tri Thuc - Znews , the police team prioritizes retaining its experienced domestic players. Players like Phan Van Duc and Nguyen Van Duc continue to be trusted. Meanwhile, foreign player Leo Artur has reached an agreement to renew his contract. Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip is also close to finalizing a contract extension, ensuring stability in goal.

One of the most notable deals is the plan to permanently acquire midfielder Stefan Mauk from Melbourne City. The Australian player is highly regarded for his ability to control the game, his international experience, and his suitability to coach Mano Polking's philosophy. To persuade Mauk to commit long-term, Hanoi Police FC is willing to offer a 30-40% salary increase, demonstrating their determination to retain a key player in the midfield.

Simultaneously, the team is also very close to signing center-back Julien Mouillon. Mouillon's arrival in Hanoi in mid-May and his direct observation of CAHN's early championship win are clear signals that the deal is in a crucial stage. Coach Mano Polking himself highly values the 1997-born center-back for his physique, tackling ability, and experience playing in Europe.

Hanoi Police FC will extend the contract of striker Leo Artrur. Photo: Hanoi Police FC.

As for Mouillon, he also doesn't hide his desire to play for an ambitious club with opportunities to compete internationally. This is something that Hanoi Police FC can fully provide.

In addition, coach Mano Polking has proposed several personnel options across domestic, Southeast Asian, and European markets. The Hanoi Police FC management is currently reviewing applications and assessing expertise before entering into specific negotiations. This is considered a cautious but necessary step to ensure that each new signing truly elevates the team's level.

Previously, the reigning V.League champions had also completed contract extensions with a number of key players such as Doan Van Hau, Le Pham Thanh Long, Tran Dinh Trong, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and Alan. Retaining this core group helps the team maintain stability and provides a foundation for new recruits to integrate quickly.

Conversely, after the season ends, the team will say goodbye to two foreign players, Hugo Gomes and Vitao. These players played a crucial role in their journey to becoming runners-up in the 2024/25 Southeast Asian Club Championship. However, given the need to upgrade the squad, the coaching staff believes that this duo is no longer suitable for the long-term vision.

Central defender Hugo Gomes will say goodbye to the team after two seasons. Photo: Hanoi Police FC.

The Hanoi Police Club needs confirmation that it meets all the criteria.

Recently, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) sent a letter requesting Hanoi Police FC to confirm its ability to fully meet the criteria for participating in the AFC Champions League and the Southeast Asian Club Championship 2025/26. The police team is responsible for completing the necessary paperwork, registering, and ensuring compliance with AFC and AFF regulations within the deadline. If they fail to advance beyond the AFC Champions League play-off round, Hanoi Police FC will participate in the AFC Champions League Two next season (AFC Europa League).

With the team having to compete on multiple fronts, personnel management is clearly the top priority for Hanoi Police FC. The proactive approach to restructuring the squad, retaining key players, and adding quality new talents shows that the team is not only aiming to participate in the AFC Champions League but also has the goal of progressing further in the competition.

Following their V.League championship win, Hanoi Police FC is entering a new chapter with greater ambitions. And if coach Mano Polking's personnel plans are realized, the police force's team could well become a formidable representative of Vietnamese football on the continental stage.