U16 Vietnam has a new generation of players with outstanding physique

U16 Việt Nam - Ảnh 1. — Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the coaching staff of Vietnam U16 continue to train a new generation of young players - Photo: VFF

On the afternoon of May 12 in Hanoi, the Vietnam U16 team began training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center. The whole team is actively preparing for the International U16 Tournament taking place in Hohhot City, China from May 26 to June 1.

This is an international training and competition trip that VFF has planned early to build up its force towards the 2026 U17 Asian qualifiers.

Vietnam U16 will still be led by coach Cristiano Roland - the man who created the Vietnam U17 team that made a splash at the 2025 AFC U17 Championship.

Sharing with the media, the Brazilian coach said: "I am proud to lead a new generation of Vietnamese football players. Football always has pressure. But from there I have more strength and motivation to devote myself.

With the new group of players, the important thing is still to convey the spirit, playing style, and tactical thinking. Of course, it also takes time. We are always ready to work with the highest determination."

In terms of force, the team will gather players born in 2009 and later. Among them are faces who competed in the 2025 AFC U17 Championship such as Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc (Hanoi Youth), Nguyen Van Duong (PVF Academy).

U16 Việt Nam - Ảnh 2. — U17 Vietnam continues to be led by coach Cristiano Roland - Photo: VFF

Mr. Roland assessed the new generation of players: "I will continue to apply the familiar working method, which is dedication, hard work and instilling confidence in the players.

Right from the first training session, the whole team showed a serious training spirit and great motivation. The physique of this generation of players is somewhat superior to the previous generations. But what I care about more is the competitive spirit, the ability to integrate and adapt.

The coaching staff must also instill confidence in the players so that they can reach their full potential. I hope the players will continue to learn, develop and contribute to the team."

According to the plan, Vietnam U16 will practice at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center (Hanoi) from May 10. On May 23, the team will leave for Hohhot city (Inner Mongolia, China) to participate in the CFA Team China 2025 International U16 Tournament.

At the 2025 CFA Team China International U16 Tournament, Vietnam U16 is scheduled to compete against Australia U16 (1:00 p.m., May 28), China U16 (6:35 p.m., May 30) and Saudi Arabia U16 (1:00 p.m., June 1).