Tien Linh wins first title with new club, hopes for national team recall

Nguyen Tien Linh, a prominent striker for Vietnam, has secured his first title with his new club, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, after their victory in the National Cup final. The team triumphed over Ninh Binh on June 14 in the championship match, earning them a spot in the National Super Cup and qualification for next season's ASEAN Club Championship.

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I previously won the National Cup and National Super Cup when I played for Becamex Binh Duong (2015). But this time it's more meaningful because I wore the captain's armband and played for my new team. It's even more meaningful as it's like an encouragement for me after a not-so-good season.

Linh, who wore the captain's armband during the final, described the win as particularly meaningful. "This time it's more meaningful because I wore the captain's armband and played for my new team," he told Tuoi Tre Online. He acknowledged a difficult personal season, marked by a prolonged goal drought, but expressed optimism that this title marks a fresh start. "I believe this will be the beginning of a new journey," Linh stated.

Despite facing challenges with form and limited minutes on the field this season, Linh managed to score six goals in the V-League and one in the National Cup. He hopes his performance and this recent success will earn him a call-up to the Vietnam national team for the crucial ASEAN Cup. "If coach Kim Sang Sik still calls me, it will be a great honor for me, because the ASEAN Cup is a very important tournament for the national team," Linh said, expressing his ambition to contribute significantly.

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For a very long time, my form has not been as I wished. The fact that I haven't scored for so long is also a low point in my career. However, as the season nears its end, I have strived to regain my scoring touch. 6 goals in the V-League and 1 goal in the National Cup are not too bad achievements. I believe this will be the beginning of a new journey. I will try to score many goals for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, the symbolic team of the city named after Uncle Ho.

Linh, born in 1997, is recognized as one of Vietnam's top forwards, having previously won the Golden Ball award in 2024 and multiple major tournaments with the national team. His career faced a significant low point during the 2025-2026 V-League season, enduring a 17-match goalless streak. However, his recent cup victory and renewed determination signal a potential resurgence.

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With the Vietnam national team, I am still waiting to see if I will be called up. If coach Kim Sang Sik still calls me, it will be a great honor for me, because the ASEAN Cup is a very important tournament for the national team. I hope that with what I have shown, I will achieve my goal.