Football in Vietnam has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century when the sport was introduced by French colonialists. The first recorded football match played in Vietnam was in 1902, and since then, the sport has grown in popularity and become an integral part of Vietnamese culture.
During the early years, football in Vietnam was mainly played by French expatriates and Vietnamese elites, with the first Vietnamese football club, the Ha Noi FC, established in 1930. However, as the sport became more popular, local Vietnamese teams began to emerge, and the first Vietnamese national football team was established in 1951.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Vietnamese football continued to grow, with the national team winning the Southeast Asian Games football tournament in 1959, 1961, and 1963. However, the sport suffered during the Vietnam War, with many players and teams forced to disband or flee the country.
After the war, Vietnamese football underwent a period of rejuvenation, with the establishment of the Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF) in 1980 and the introduction of the V-League, Vietnam's first professional football league, in 2000. The V-League comprises two divisions and has attracted foreign players and coaches to Vietnam, helping to raise the standard of play and increase interest in the sport.
In recent years, Vietnamese football has seen significant growth and success, with the national team reaching the final of the 2018 AFF Championship and qualifying for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The Vietnamese U-23 team also had a historic run in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship, finishing as runners-up and earning praise for their impressive performances.
Grassroots football has also continued to grow in Vietnam, with the establishment of football academies and schools that help to develop young talent. The government has also made significant investments in football, with plans to build new stadiums and improve infrastructure.
Overall, the future looks bright for football in Vietnam, with the sport continuing to grow in popularity and success. With the support of the government, fans, and football organizations, Vietnamese football has the potential to become a major player in the region and the world.
