Vietnamese-Bulgarian midfielder cut from U22 Vietnam squad

Midfielder Tran Thanh Trung is among four players removed from the U22 Vietnam squad as the team finalizes its roster for SEA Games 33 in Thailand.

Head coach Kim Sang-sik announced the final squad on the morning of 30/11, excluding Tran Thanh Trung, Nguyen Duc Viet (Ninh Binh), Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL), Bui Vi Hao (TP HCM), and Le Van Ha (Ha Noi Club).

Thanh Trung, born in 2005 in Bulgaria, has Vietnamese parents. He developed at Slavia Sofia club and was promoted to the first team in the 2022-2023 season at the age of 18.

Thanh Trung impressed with his intelligent ball handling, playing 32 matches in one season. This performance caught the attention of Ninh Binh FC, and he joined the former capital city team in the 2005 season. Despite competing with teammates like Hoang Duc, Duc Chien, Trong Long, and Duc Viet, Thanh Trung still had many opportunities to play.

However, a recent injury sustained during round 9 of the V-League against Cong an TP HCM prevented the Vietnamese-Bulgarian player from recovering in time, forcing head coach Kim Sang-sik to exclude him.

Midfielder Tran Thanh Trung (number 21) during a training session with U22 Vietnam at Ba Ria stadium (TP HCM) on 26/11. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Bui Vi Hao, a forward, faced a similar situation, having just returned after a seven-month injury. Hao only played for a few minutes across two matches in the Panda Cup. Although he reported regaining his touch and reaching nearly 90% fitness, head coach Kim opted for caution, not risking him. This marks the third consecutive time the Binh Duong-born player has missed the SEA Games, and he will not have another chance as he has exceeded the age limit.

Center-back Dinh Quang Kiet was also cut due to a lack of international experience. The youngest player at 18 years old, and the tallest at 1,95 m and heaviest at 84 kg, he has only played two seasons in the V-League and has never participated in official international tournaments with Vietnamese national teams.

Head coach Kim Sang-sik appointed midfielder Khuat Van Khang as captain. Born in 2003, Khang is highly regarded for his extensive international experience, having competed in major tournaments such as the 2023 Asian Cup Finals, 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals, and 2024 ASEAN Cup. Van Khang also played a crucial role in U23 Vietnam winning the 2025 AFF U23 Championship and securing a spot in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals.

Forward Nguyen Dinh Bac was named vice-captain.

At SEA Games 33, Vietnam is in Group B with Malaysia and Laos. The team will hold a send-off ceremony in TP HCM tonight and fly to Bangkok tomorrow, 1/12. Vietnam's opening match is against Laos on 3/12.