The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is casting a wide net in its global search for Vietnamese-heritage talent, with over 100 names currently under close observation. Among them is Kenneth Schmidt — a €1.2 million-rated defender once tipped for Germany’s national team. With his path to Die Mannschaft narrowing, could a switch to Vietnam now be on the cards?

Vietnam's Global Talent Hunt Gains Momentum

The Vietnam Football Federation is quietly orchestrating one of the most ambitious scouting campaigns in Southeast Asian football. According to local outlet VTC News, the VFF is managing a database of more than 100 overseas Vietnamese players — ranging from promising youth prospects to fully professional athletes across Europe, North America, and beyond.

This list, compiled and continuously updated by the VFF’s technical department, is also being monitored closely by new national team head coach Kim Sang-sik, who is actively pursuing conversations with players and their representatives. While only a few names have made training squads thus far, the scale of the operation reflects a long-term vision for strengthening Vietnam’s talent pipeline.

Alex Bùi Impresses at U22 Level

One of the most recent call-ups, striker Alex Bùi, made headlines with a strong showing during his trial with Vietnam’s U22 team. Born in 2004, Bùi is widely seen as a contender for the squad heading into the 2025 SEA Games. His technical ability and professional attitude reportedly stood out in training — a notable contrast to earlier call-ups who struggled with adaptation.

Though Bùi remains focused on building his club career in Europe, he has left the door open for future international appearances with Vietnam, should the timing and circumstances align.

Not All Trials Are Successful

Other overseas Vietnamese players, such as Andrej Nguyễn An Khánh and Thomas Mai Veeren, have also received trial invitations this year. Andrej, a former Czech Republic U18 international, previously trained under ex-Vietnam head coach Philippe Troussier but failed to meet the current coaching staff’s expectations.

Thomas Mai Veeren, meanwhile, did not convince coach Cristiano Roland ahead of the AFC U17 Asian Cup, with concerns raised over both form and integration. These outcomes underscore the VFF’s commitment to a merit-based selection process — regardless of birthplace or heritage.

Kenneth Schmidt: The Headliner

Of all the names under VFF surveillance, one stands out above the rest: Kenneth Schmidt.

A left-footed central defender currently playing for SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, Schmidt has represented Germany at youth level and is valued at €1.2 million, according to Transfermarkt. His commanding presence, positional intelligence, and composure on the ball have made him a standout in Germany’s youth development system.

Yet with his path to the senior German national team increasingly congested, Schmidt may find international opportunity through his Vietnamese heritage. Should VFF officials successfully initiate contact and present a convincing long-term project, the 22-year-old could become a transformative figure in Vietnam’s backline.

Strategic Vision, Not Sentiment

What sets VFF’s current strategy apart from past efforts is its emphasis on readiness and integration. Rather than chasing high-profile names for publicity, the federation is prioritizing players who can make an immediate or near-future impact on the national setup.

This approach aligns with the broader vision of elevating Vietnam’s competitive standing in Asia. With the AFC Asian Cup, World Cup qualifiers, and the revamped AFC Champions League Elite format in sight, securing dual-nationality talents like Schmidt would mark a significant step forward.

Looking Ahead: More to Come

Kenneth Schmidt’s decision — should he be approached — could set a precedent for other high-level overseas Vietnamese players weighing their international futures. His potential inclusion would not only raise Vietnam’s defensive standards but also signal to other diaspora talents that the door to representing their roots is genuinely open.

The VFF’s expanding network and commitment to quality suggest that Schmidt may be only the beginning. In the coming months, Vietnamese fans may see more European-based players don the red and gold — not out of convenience, but through conviction.