Steel Blue Nam Dinh enters the V-League 2025/26 season with the mindset of a club aiming to expand its reach across Asia. After two consecutive years of domestic dominance, coach Vu Hong Viet’s squad is anticipated to continue their historic three-peat and make an impact internationally.

However, the outcomes of the first three opening matches reveal a concerning picture and send a warning that must not be ignored.

At the season’s start, Nam Dinh lost to CAHN in the National Super Cup, revealing vulnerabilities in their defensive setup.

In the V-League, coach Vu Hong Viet’s team secured a 2-1 victory over Hai Phong in the first round, largely thanks to the tall striker Kyle Hudlin’s effectiveness in duels and pressure situations.