Kim Sang Sik did the unexpected, his SEA Games sprint sent fans into a frenzy.

Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnamese football concluded 2025 with a rare and historic treble. The breathtaking victory against U22 Thailand at the 33rd SEA Games not only brought home the gold medal but also placed him among the most successful coaches in Vietnamese football history.

2025 is drawing to a close, but for Vietnamese football, the emotions remain as vivid as if they just exploded last night. And at the heart of all those moments, the name most frequently mentioned is Coach Kim Sang Sik – the man who created a hat-trick of titles that even the most optimistic could hardly have imagined beforehand.

From the ASEAN Cup and the U23 Southeast Asian Championship to the SEA Games 33 gold medal, Coach Kim's journey is not just a series of victories, but also a story of perseverance, resilience, and how he instilled confidence in the Vietnamese players. The SEA Games 33 final at Rajamangala Stadium on December 18th was the clearest evidence of this. Trailing by two goals after just over 30 minutes, the U22 Vietnam team faced a dire situation that led many to consider giving up. But Coach Kim's team did not.

In the dressing room during halftime, there was no shouting, no panic. He simply spoke gently to his players: "We still have a chance and we mustn't let this match end in regret." A short sentence, but enough to bring the whole team back down to earth, and from there, they bounced back with renewed strength.

The second half saw a completely different Vietnam U22 team: calmer, more determined, and most importantly, never giving up. Captain Dinh Bac's penalty goal opened up hope, followed by the equalizer that sent the Rajamangala Stadium into a frenzy. In extra time, the decisive shot completed the comeback, sending Vietnamese fans into a frenzy.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Kim and his players have "made history" at Rajamangala Stadium. Just 11 months ago, the Vietnamese team also defeated Thailand 3-2 in the 2024 ASEAN Cup final. Kim even reiterated this during halftime, as a way of inspiring them: "Your seniors won here. And you can do it too."

Beyond tactics, what endeared Kim Jong-un to fans was the way he protected and supported his players. He acknowledged the pressure his players felt in the first half, but didn't blame them. He understood them, and they trusted him. That trust was built on intense training sessions where the players always followed the training plan without complaint, as he himself shared.

After the match, the image of the players tossing Kim Jong-un around on the Rajamangala Stadium pitch went viral. Not because it was a celebratory gesture for show, but because it showed genuine respect for the coach who had been with them throughout a turbulent year.

The victory against Thailand also made Kim Jong-un history as the first coach to win the ASEAN Cup, the U23 Southeast Asian Championship, and the SEA Games in the same year. But even more noteworthy is that he doesn't see this as the end goal. He calls it "the beginning," and affirms that the players will go even further in the 2026 U23 Asian Championship.

On social media, fans showered Kim with praise, not only for his achievements but also for the "never give up" spirit he instilled in the team. Many believe that Vietnamese football is regaining the confidence that once led to glorious milestones in the past. And at this point, it's hard to deny that Kim Sang Sik's impact is undeniable.

In 2025, Vietnamese football will have a hero. And that hero's name is Kim Sang Sik.

Dinh Bac, the hot boy of Vietnam's U22 team, caused Malaysia's defeat and received praise from coach Kim Sang-sik. Tuyết Linh17:28:14 12/12/2025Relive the brilliant performance of Nguyen Dinh Bac, who played a major role in two goals, helping U22 Vietnam easily overcome U22 Malaysia and secure a place in the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33.