VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú (left) and goalkeeping coach Lee Woon-jae. — Photo courtesy of VFF

Football

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) on Monday extended goalkeeping coach Lee Woon-jae’s contract through 2027, a move aimed at producing more talented shot-stoppers for both the senior and U23 national teams.

VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú praised Lee’s contributions to recent successes, including winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup, qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals, claiming gold at SEA Games 33 and earning bronze at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. Phú also expressed confidence that Lee will continue to develop professionally and contribute effectively to the coaching staff’s future objectives.

Coach Lee thanked the VFF leadership for their trust and said he will continue to give his best, working closely with head coach Kim Sang-sik and the rest of the staff to achieve their goals.

Born in 1973, Lee is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s finest goalkeepers. He was a teammate of Kim on the South Korean national team from 2000 to 2007 and holds the national record with 133 caps. Internationally, Lee played in four World Cups (1994, 2002, 2006, 2010), finishing fourth in 2002, and helped his nation secure third-place finishes at the 2000 and 2007 Asian Cups.

At club level, Lee spent most of his career with Suwon Samsung Bluewings (1996–2010) and later Jeonnam Dragons (2011–2012), making 451 appearances. His honours include the 2001–02 AFC Champions League, four K-League 1 titles and three South Korean FA Cups, along with individual awards such as selection to the Asian All-Star team at the 2002 World Cup and K-League Player of the Year in 2008.

Lee joined Việt Nam’s coaching staff during preparations for the 2024 ASEAN Cup and, after the team’s success, formally signed with the VFF in March 2025.

Valuable assistant to coach Kim

The goalkeeper position is currently one of Việt Nam’s strongest. At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Nguyễn Đình Triệu was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper. At the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, both starter Trần Trung Kiên and backup Cao Văn Bình impressed.

Domestic academies and clubs deserve credit for producing and developing these players, giving them regular playing time in V.League 1. Equally important has been the impact of goalkeeper coach Lee, who has shared his experience with Đình Triệu, Trung Kiên and Văn Bình while with the national teams.

Đình Triệu is a clear example. Before the 2024 ASEAN Cup, he was not considered among Southeast Asia’s top keepers, but he transformed during the tournament into a reliable last line of defence. Lee’s coaching helped him improve two crucial areas: command of his penalty area and handling high balls, despite his relatively modest height (1.80m).

For Trung Kiên and Văn Bình, Lee emphasised match experience. Văn Bình stood out in the third-place playoff against U23 South Korea at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, applying lessons from Lee on dealing with high balls and facing South Korean attackers.

Lee will continue supporting the senior team at the 2026 ASEAN Cup (July 24–26), the FIFA ASEAN Cup (expected September–October), and the 2027 Asian Cup (January–February), and will also assist the U23 squad at the 34th SEA Games next year. His presence is expected to further solidify the team's goalkeeping, a key strength for both Việt Nam’s senior and U23 teams. — VNS