French-Vietnamese defender called up to Vietnam national team ahead of Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia

Cao Quang Vinh Pendant celebrates after scoring for Cong An Hanoi in a 3-3 draw with Buriram United, then losing 2-3 on penalties in the second leg of the 2024-2025 ASEAN Club Championship final, at Buriram Stadium, Thailand on May 21, 2025. Photo by ASEAN Club Championship

The 28-year-old left-back obtained Vietnamese citizenship on March 19 and is expected to help fill the gap left by Doan Van Hau, who remains sidelined due to injury.

Since coach Philippe Troussier’s stint, the national team have struggled to find a consistent performer in the left-back role. Previous options like Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, Vo Minh Trong and Phan Tuan Tai failed to deliver a balanced performance in both attack and defense. Under new head coach Kim Sang-sik, the position has rotated between Nguyen Van Vi and Khuat Van Khang.

Quang Vinh Pendant, whose father is French and mother is Vietnamese, joined Cong An Hanoi (CAHN) in August 2024. Since then, he has made 31 appearances and scored two goals across competitions including V. League, National Cup and ASEAN Club Championship.

Before arriving in Vietnam, Pendant played in France’s Ligue 2 for Sochaux and Quevilly-Rouen, as well as for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS). Though he represented France at U16 and U18 levels, he remains eligible for Vietnam as he has not played for the French national team.

Star forward Nguyen Cong Phuong also returns to the national squad, having last been called up in March 2024 by coach Troussier. At the time, Phuong was with Yokohama FC in Japan’s J2 League, but an ankle injury prevented him from making the final roster to face Indonesia in World Cup qualifying match.

Although now playing for V. League 2 side Binh Phuoc FC, Phuong has impressed with 7 goals and 5 assists this season, contributing to 12 of the team's 27 total goals. Binh Phuoc currently sit second in the V. League 2 and have a strong chance of reaching the promotion play-off for the next season.

Quang Vinh Pendant and Cong Phuong are the two new faces in a 23-player squad announced on May 22 as Vietnam prepare for the away match against Malaysia on June 10 in the second round of group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The rest of the squad features familiar names from coach Kim Sang-sik’s previous selections.