VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn visits and encourages centre-back Nguyễn Hiểu Minh
On the afternoon of January 21 (local time), President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Trần Quốc Tuấn personally visited and encouraged centre-back Nguyễn Hiểu Minh, who unfortunately suffered a serious injury in the semifinal match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 against U23 China. Accompanying the VFF President on the visit was Vice President Nguyễn Trung Kiên.
22/01/2026 11:19:12
At the meeting, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn attentively inquired about Hiểu Minh’s health, encouraging him to stay positive, focus on his treatment, and concentrate on recovery. President Trần Quốc Tuấn affirmed that the VFF would provide the best possible conditions in terms of medical care, professional support, and benefits to help the player recover quickly and return to competition, continuing to contribute to both the national team and his home club. On this occasion, President Trần Quốc Tuấn also presented a token of encouragement, expressing his trust and high expectations for the young and promising centre-back’s strong comeback.
Nguyễn Hiểu Minh, born in 2004 in Hanoi, is regarded as one of the key figures in the Vietnam U23 national team. Under head coach Kim Sang Sik, the 1.84-meter-tall centre-back was consistently trusted as a starter throughout 2025, helping U23 Vietnam win the AFF U23 Championship and the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games.
At the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Finals, Hiểu Minh continued to assert his pivotal role in the defensive line, starting all four matches before suffering his injury and making a significant contribution to maintaining the team’s defensive solidity. In the opening match, a 2–0 victory over U23 Jordan, he was named Man of the Match and scored the goal that sealed the result. According to AFC statistics prior to the semifinals, Hiểu Minh ranked second in the tournament for clearances with 36, behind only U23 China centre-back Xiao Peng (46). Together with Phạm Lý Đức and Nguyễn Nhật Minh, Hiểu Minh formed a stable three-man central defensive unit, serving as a crucial backbone in U23 Vietnam’s journey to the semifinals.
According to the plan, after returning home, Nguyễn Hiểu Minh will be taken by the VFF to the Vinmec Center of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, where doctors will conduct consultations and agree on a treatment plan. With an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the expected recovery period is estimated to last from six to nine months. The VFF will continue to closely monitor his condition and provide maximum support to help the young U23 Vietnam centre-back return to the pitch in the best possible condition.
