Viktor Le, a Vietnamese-origin footballer currently making waves in the V-League, may be on the cusp of his first call-up to the senior national team following an impressive run of form for club and country.

In the 55th minute of the LPBank V-League 2024/25 Round 20 match between Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Tinh at Thong Nhat Stadium, Viktor Le whipped in a dangerous cross that unexpectedly curled into the net, shocking the home side and securing a vital 1-0 victory for Ha Tinh.

The goal marked the fourth consecutive match in which the 22-year-old has directly contributed to his team’s scoring efforts - three assists previously, and now a goal. Notably, Ha Tinh remained unbeaten in all four of those matches, holding Viettel to a draw and defeating both Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Ho Chi Minh City.

Born to a Russian-Vietnamese family, Viktor Le is rapidly establishing himself as a key playmaker under head coach Nguyen Thanh Cong. His ability to control the tempo and inject creativity into the midfield has become central to Ha Tinh’s recent surge.

“I don’t want to overpraise Viktor because I want him to develop naturally,” said coach Thanh Cong. “But I have to acknowledge his form and spirit. He’s been very impressive in recent matches.”

Although measured in his compliments, coach Thanh Cong admitted that Viktor’s consistent performances make him a worthy candidate for the senior national team: “He’s been assisting and scoring regularly. If he maintains this level, he deserves a spot in the national squad.”

Viktor was previously called up to the U22 Vietnam squad in March, where he started in all three matches against South Korea, Uzbekistan, and China at the international friendly tournament held in China.

In 2025, the U22 team faces a packed calendar, including defending their title at the AFF U23 Championship, qualifying for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, and aiming to reclaim the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. However, Viktor Le likely has higher aspirations - namely, earning a place in the senior national team for the upcoming 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

With Vietnam's senior side in need of fresh attacking options capable of delivering creative breakthroughs, head coach Kim Sang Sik may well be eyeing Viktor as a potential solution. The 22-year-old’s standout performances for Ha Tinh could earn him a call-up ahead of Vietnam’s critical qualifier against Malaysia in June.

Dai Nam