Pham Minh Phuc: From rejected player to hero of Vietnam U23 team, revealing shocking secrets few people know.

Few people know that Minh Phuc was once rejected by two second-division teams and faced the risk of abandoning his professional football career. He persevered, working much harder to find a place for himself at Hanoi Police FC.

Pham Minh Phuc rose to prominence in Vietnamese football after the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, where he scored the winning goal in the 101st minute to send Vietnam U23 into the semi-finals in a thrilling match against UAE U23. But behind that explosive moment lies a long, quiet, and challenging journey, enough to make Minh Phuc a quintessential example of a "real-life fairy tale" in Vietnamese football.

humble beginnings

Born in 2004, Pham Minh Phuc wasn't a sought-after talent from an early age, nor did he grow up in prestigious academies. His path to professional football was much more challenging than that of his peers. Before securing a place at Hanoi Police FC, Minh Phuc was rejected by two Second Division teams, spending a long time struggling to find opportunities to continue pursuing his passion.

It was those months of doubt and rejection that forged Minh Phuc's never-give-up spirit. For him, football is not a safe choice, but a path that requires sacrifice and effort far greater than others.

A turning point at the Hanoi Police Department (2024–2025)

The 2024/2025 season marked a crucial turning point in Minh Phúc 's career when he was given the opportunity to train with the Hanoi Police FC first team by coach Alexandre Polking. Initially, the Brazilian strategist had no intention of keeping Minh Phúc, but after just one week of training, the young player completely convinced the coaching staff with his proactive attitude, focus, and quick adaptability.

From a relatively unknown name, Minh Phúc gradually integrated into a highly competitive environment, a place filled with seasoned stars. His ability to stay and compete at the highest level with CAHN is proof of his quiet but persistent efforts during this period.

The door to the national team opens (2025)

Minh Phuc's significant progress at the club earned him a chance to join the Vietnam U23 team in friendly tournaments leading up to the 33rd SEA Games. Although he didn't make it into the squad that won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, he quickly made his mark at the 33rd SEA Games, demonstrating his suitability for the fast-paced, energetic style of play of the youth team.

In Minh Phuc, the coaching staff saw the image of a versatile player, ready to take on the role of a modern full-back, both solid in defense and actively supporting the attack. This was the foundation for him to enter the biggest tournament of his career up to that point: the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Minute 101 and a historic moment (2026)

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup quarter-final between Vietnam U23 and UAE U23 became a fateful stage for Pham Minh Phuc. In the 101st minute, following a blocked shot by defender Nguyen Nhat Minh, Minh Phuc appeared at the right moment in the penalty area. The player wearing number 21 controlled the ball neatly before unleashing a decisive right-footed shot. The ball deflected slightly off Ahmad Malalla's foot, changing direction and leaving goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid completely helpless.

That goal not only sealed a 3-2 victory after a breathtaking 120 minutes, but also propelled the Vietnam U23 team to the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Championship for the second time in history. Significantly, Minh Phúc broke the "curse of the number 21 jersey," a number previously associated with painful memories for the Vietnam U23 team in earlier tournaments, transforming it into a symbol of joy and history.

Not stopping there, he also created the opportunity for Nguyen Dinh Bac to head in the goal that put Vietnam U23 ahead 2-1, demonstrating his comprehensive role in the team's gameplay. The understanding between Minh Phuc and Dinh Bac became a crucial pillar for the red-shirted team's attack.

The hero emerges from adversity.

After the historic match, Pham Minh Phuc shared his emotions on his personal page: "On a beautiful evening, we accomplished things that seemed impossible together. Let's continue writing our fairy tale, everyone!" This short but heartfelt status update touched the hearts of fans, receiving numerous congratulatory messages from teammates and other Vietnamese national team players.

Behind the title of "hero" lies a journey of overcoming hardship, from repeated rejections to the moment of standing in the dazzling spotlight of the continental stage. Minh Phuc is not a product of luck, but the result of perseverance, humility, and an unceasing desire for self-improvement.

The journey continues.

Entering 2026, Pham Minh Phuc will not only be remembered as the scorer of the "golden goal," but also as a symbol of the belief that Vietnamese football still has room for dreams nurtured by hard work. From a young player who struggled to find opportunities, Minh Phuc has written a memorable chapter in the history of the Vietnam U23 team – a true fairy tale, created with sweat, tears, and an unwavering belief.

Stepping into the next stage after the 2026 U23 Asian Championship milestone, Pham Minh Phuc stands before a brighter future than ever before. His 101st-minute goal was not only strategically significant but also a powerful affirmation of the character and value of a player who rose from adversity. Having overcome doubts, broken the "curse," and etched his name in history, Minh Phuc is expected to continue improving himself and play a more important role for both his club and the national team. With a progressive spirit forged through challenges, Pham Minh Phuc's journey ahead promises not just a moment of brilliance, but a sustained effort to become a new pillar of Vietnamese football in the years to come.

And from that 101st minute, Pham Minh Phuc not only scored a goal for the Vietnam U23 team, but also opened a new chapter for himself – a chapter of belief, aspiration, and dreams that will continue to be written on the football field.

Bad news for coach Kim Sang Sik and his team: AFC issues urgent warning to Vietnam U23 in Group A of the Asian Championship. An Dương16:41:26 31/12/2025The AFC website has just published some strong assessments of the strength of the Jordan U23 team, a direct competitor for a place in the next round of Group A at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship.