The tallest striker in the world scored a consolation goal for Nam Dinh on Japanese soil

The 2.06m tall striker Kyle Hudlin scored a consolation goal for Nam Dinh against Gamba Osaka, signaling his comeback after a lengthy break.

Kyle Hudlin, the English striker standing 2.06 meters tall, scored the consolation goal for Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in their 1-3 defeat to Gamba Osaka during the third group stage match of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26.

The match took place in Japan, where the Vietnamese representative faced significant challenges against the strong J-League opponent. Nam Dinh fell behind 2-0 just over an hour into the game, before coach Vu Hong Viet brought Hudlin on at the 60th minute to boost the attack. Although unable to help the team overturn the result, the towering striker left his mark with a decisive spin and shot in stoppage time, securing a consolation goal for the visitors.

This was Kyle Hudlin’s first goal in the AFC Champions League Two, also helping Nam Dinh maintain a better goal difference in the race to advance. Notably, Hudlin had been absent from recent V.League match rosters, giving way to Percy Tau — the South African star impressing in the Nam Dinh squad.

Previously, Hudlin attracted attention by scoring twice in his debut for Nam Dinh against CAHN in the National Super Cup, even scoring his first goal with just two touches. However, after that explosive start, he gradually disappeared from the starting lineup. Getting a chance in the continental competition — which has no limit on foreign players — allowed Hudlin to regain his match rhythm and showcase his value at the right time.

Kyle Hudlin is one of two new signings Nam Dinh brought in at the start of the season, alongside South African midfielder Njabulo Blom. Standing 2.06m tall, Hudlin is currently the tallest professional striker in the world and had attracted interest from Man City, Middlesbrough, and Cardiff City during his time in England.

With Nam Dinh preparing to add two more foreign players, Chadrac Akolo and Arnaud Lusamba, Hudlin’s future might be uncertain. However, his goal against Gamba Osaka is seen as a crucial morale boost, opening the door for the English striker to regain the coaching staff’s trust and secure a spot back in the V.League starting lineup soon.