Vietnamese player among world's top 60 young talents

Tran Gia Bao scores from the penalty spot to help Vietnam draw 1-1 with Japan in the 2025 U17 Asian Cup at Okadh Stadium, Saudi Arabia, on April 7, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

The Guardian compiled its list with input from journalists across the globe. John Duerden, a journalist with years of experience covering Southeast Asian football and collaborating with Fox Sports and ESPN, nominated Gia Bao.

"The versatile attacker, who can take a central striking role or sit a bit deeper, had made waves, and fans, with his dashing looks," Duerden wrote.

"Compared by supporters to Lamine Yamal, he has continued to play in the top tier of Vietnamese football and hit the headlines in September for scoring a goal described as "European class" by the former international striker Nguyen Quang Hai. There is hope he could become the first Vietnamese player to truly make his mark in Europe."

The mentioned goal was scored in Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL)’s 1-0 victory against Thanh Hoa FC in the National Cup. In the 61st minute, Bao skillfully got past an opposing player with a back heel, before finishing with his right foot into the far corner.

Historically, some Vietnamese players have competed in Europe, such as Le Cong Vinh (Portugal, 2009), Nguyen Cong Phuong (Belgium, 2019-2020), Doan Van Hau (Netherlands, 2019-2020) and Nguyen Quang Hai (France, 2022-2023). However, they often struggled to get into the lineup.

Bao, born on Jan. 3, 2008, stands 1.8 m tall and weighs 70 kg. A product of the HAGL football academy, he has represented Vietnam at U15, U16 and U17 levels.

On Sept. 15, 2024, Bao made a historic appearance in the V. League, coming on in the 73rd minute in a 4-0 win over Quang Nam FC. In the second minute of stoppage time, he seized the opportunity with a goal, becoming the youngest player in V. League history to score, at the age of 16 years and 256 days.

At the 2025 U17 Asian Cup, Bao made an impact in Vietnam's 1-1 draw with Japan in Group B. He won a penalty and scored in the sixth minute of injury time in the second half.

Vietnam U17 coach Cristiano Roland noted that while Bao possesses great skills, he still has room for growth.

"His stamina lasts around 60 to 70 minutes, which is why he is often brought on from the bench," said the Portuguese coach. "He is young and requires time and experience to reach his full potential."

Alongside Bao, other Asian talents making the top 60 list include Wei Xiangxin (China), Kento Nishioka (Japan) and Sadriddin Khasanov (Uzbekistan). The list also includes notable names like Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG) and Toni Fernandez (Barcelona).

The Next Generation project, launched by The Guardian in 2014, identifies 17-year-old players with the potential to become future football stars. In the past, HAGL midfielder Phan Thanh Hau, now playing for Becamex HCMC, was also included, though his career was hindered by fitness issues. In 2023, the list also featured midfielder Le Dinh Long Vu, who plays regularly for his club Song Lam Nghe An.