Child prodigy ranks among top 60 globally, officially added to Vietnam national team

Child prodigy Tran Gia Bao officially called up to Vietnam U19, strengthening the squad for the 2026 training camp.

Child prodigy Tran Gia Bao officially called up to Vietnam U19 in the first training camp of 2026, marking a significant milestone in this young player's development path. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi's decision shows the team continues aiming to enhance squad quality and foster competition within the lineup.

Gia Bao, born in 2008 and under contract with HAGL, has played two seasons in V-League despite being very young. In the 2025/26 season, Gia Bao appeared 13 times after 16 rounds and scored a crucial goal in round 16, helping HAGL draw 3-3 against SHB Da Nang.

At the end of 2025, the reputable British newspaper The Guardian published the Next Generation 2025 list: 60 of the best young talents in world football, featuring 60 of the world's most promising young talents. Tran Gia Bao is Vietnam's sole representative in the list, confirming his outstanding potential and the attention of international experts.

After about one week of training, Vietnam U19 conducted its first squad selection phase. 12 players temporarily ceased training but remain under observation and have the opportunity to be recalled. This step aims to create positive competition and ensure squad quality.

Along with Gia Bao, Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi also called up 9 other players, including Vietnamese-origin goalkeeper Aaron Tu Vinh Napierala, born in 2007, holding dual Vietnamese-Canadian citizenship, trained in Canada and Spain. This player's arrival is expected to bring fresh energy to the goalkeeper position.

Additionally, the team also welcomes the return of Vietnamese-origin midfielder Antonio Moric, providing the coaching staff with more strategic options. This supplementary call-up is part of a two-phase plan, targeting the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship and the 2027 U20 Asian qualifiers, aiming to refine the squad and foster positive competition within the lineup.