FIFA has recently showcased Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Công Phượng (in red) alongside global football icons. — Photo courtesy of FIFA

HÀ NỘI — In a thrilling nod to talent, FIFA has recently showcased Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Công Phượng alongside global football icons.

FIFA's homepage featured a striking image of Phượng sharing the spotlight with superstars such as Lionel Messi, Roberto Carlos and Declan Rice, igniting excitement among fans. Adding a touch of humour, FIFA quipped: “My head hurts when I imagine these players playing on the same team.”

After bouncing back from injury, Phượng has been on fire in football's First Division, netting goals with impressive ease. His latest highlight? A stunning free kick against Đồng Tháp FC, which helped Trường Tươi Bình Phước secure a victory. Just prior, he had dazzled fans by scoring two consecutive free kicks in a match against Hòa Bình FC, leading his team to a 2-1 triumph.

With three direct free kick goals in just two matches, Phượng is achieving a level of success that few Vietnamese players have ever reached, earning accolades from media and experts alike. His inclusion in a line-up with free kick maestros like Roberto Carlos and Messi - especially after Declan Rice’s recent double against Real Madrid in the Champions League - underscores the Vietnamese striker's emerging prowess.

As Phượng continues to impress with his remarkable free kicks, anticipation builds for his potential call-up to the Vietnamese national team this June. The Vietnamese squad are preparing for an away clash against Malaysia in the second round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

While Malaysia currently sit at 131st place in the world rankings, behind Việt Nam at 109th  - they haven’t defeated the 'Golden Dragons' in eight years. Their contrasting journeys in the 2024 ASEAN Cup tell a different story: one team (Việt Nam) celebrated a championship, while the other faltered in the group stage.

However, the upcoming Asian Cup campaign could see Malaysia undergo a transformation, thanks to a recent influx of quality naturalised players. Together with a team of foreign experts, including Canadian CEO Rob Friend and Australian Peter Cklamovski as head coach, Malaysia are gearing up to adopt a strategy of high-speed, attacking football against Việt Nam. VNS