Is Dinh Bac following in Quang Hai's footsteps and facing similar setbacks? Netizens warn him to beware of shattered dreams.

In recent days, Vietnamese and Chinese media have been abuzz with news that Guangxi Hengchen FC wants to recruit young striker Nguyen Dinh Bac. This has sparked a heated debate.

Many believe that, at this point, playing in the Chinese First Division might be a sensible choice for Dinh Bac, rather than rushing towards more demanding leagues like the J.League (Japan) or K-League (Korea). This is because playing abroad is never just about talent and ambition. It also involves considerations of timing, environment, and long-term development strategy.

In this context, many people recall the lesson of Nguyen Quang Hai – a star once expected to open a new chapter for Vietnamese football in Europe. After the miracle in Changzhou in 2018, Quang Hai's name shone brightly. His spectacular "rainbow in the snow" goal against Uzbekistan U23 not only became a historical symbol but also opened up the prospect of a Vietnamese player capable of conquering major tournaments. At the age of 21, Quang Hai was expected to move abroad soon. However, he chose to continue his commitment to Hanoi FC for another four years.

It wasn't until April 12, 2022, when his contract with the Hanoi team expired, that Quang Hai officially decided to leave. However, his journey to find a new club was far from smooth. It wasn't until June 29, 2022, that Quang Hai signed a two-year contract with Pau FC – a team playing in Ligue 2 (France). This event generated significant media attention and was seen as a historic milestone for a Vietnamese player competing in a professional European league.

Wearing the Pau FC jersey, Quang Hai played 12 matches in Ligue 2, totaling 262 minutes, and scored 1 goal. For the most part, he came on as a substitute. His goal against Rodez in the 86th minute was a moment of brilliance, but it wasn't enough to change his status. In the second half of the season, he was relegated to the reserve team in the French fifth division. On June 5, 2023, both parties terminated the contract prematurely, ending a journey of less than a year.

Now, after the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, Nguyen Dinh Bac has emerged as a new icon of the younger generation. His speed, confidence, and ability to create breakthroughs have quickly brought him to the attention of the international community. The information that Guangxi Hengchen is interested shows that the foreign market has taken notice of this player.

Dinh Bac is at a crossroads: should he move now while his value is rising, or continue to improve himself domestically? If he chooses to go abroad, the important thing is not just where he goes, but which path he follows.

A Chinese First Division team could be a suitable stepping stone if it guarantees him playing time, a clear role, and a stable development environment. Conversely, if it's simply a matter of "going abroad for prestige," without thorough research into the football philosophy, level of competition, and player utilization plans, the risk of repeating the difficult scenario like Quang Hai's is entirely possible.

At 22, Dinh Bac has a significant advantage in terms of time and potential. But to turn this opportunity into a real turning point, he needs a strong team behind him and a well-thought-out plan. Going abroad isn't the ultimate goal. Sustainable development is the final destination. Without proper preparation, the dream of going overseas could become a short-lived and regrettable journey.

The truth of the relationship between Dinh Bac and Van Hau, the senior showed his attitude right on the field Khánh Linh17:04:40 04/02/2026The rare moment of interaction between Dinh Bac and Doan Van Hau on the training ground accidentally caught the camera, making fans excited. Both are currently the top interested stars of the Vietnamese team.