Soviet Legacy and the Development Path of Vietnamese Football

Vietnamese football is on a strong upward trend in Southeast Asia. Many titles in SEA Games, ASEAN Cup, and U23 competitions show the remarkable development of our national football. According to analysts, the legacy of Soviet football is one of the key factors that has helped Vietnam achieve these successes. Since the 1960s, Soviet football has led Europe with technical and high physical styles. Clubs like Dinamo Moscow are famous for short combinations, while Spartak Moscow stands out for long balls. These principles have been transmitted through Vietnamese coaches trained in Russia. Trần Quốc Tuấn, Chairman of the Vietnam Football Federation, is a living example of this legacy. He has emphasized the quality of the V.League and school football to build a foundation. Many Vietnamese players have refined techniques and good physicality thanks to this model. Coaches like Trần Duy Long have also played an important role in developing young talents. The recent victories in the 2026 ASEAN Cup, 2026 and 2026 SEA Games, 2026 and 2026 U23 Asian Cup are not just accidental but result from creatively applying the Soviet legacy. Managers should continue to preserve and promote this legacy to maintain Vietnam's strong position in football. However, we need to pay attention to the changes in modern football styles to avoid falling behind.