Russian-Vietnamese midfielder reacts surprisingly to news of playing in SEA Games

Viktor Le is one of the notable overseas Vietnamese players in the V-League, currently playing for Ha Tinh Club. The midfielder, who has Vietnamese-Russian blood, was born in 2003, so he is considered to have the ability to be called up by coach Kim Sang-sik to the Vietnam U.22 team to participate in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in December 2025 in Thailand.

Even the regional media, including the Thai press, reported that coach Kim Sang-sik would give Viktor Le the opportunity to perform at the 33rd SEA Games. When asked about wearing the U.22 Vietnam jersey to compete at the regional sports festival, Viktor Le shared: "After a period of patient waiting, I have Vietnamese nationality. I am very happy and excited. What I want most after having nationality is to have the opportunity to wear the national team jersey. Recently, there was information that I was summoned by coach Kim Sang-sik to join the Vietnamese team, to be honest, I still do not know this news. If that is true, I will try my best and compete well."

Viktor Le (14) scored against HAGL, in the match of round 8 of V-League 2024 - 2025

Viktor Le received Vietnamese citizenship in January 2025. If he has the opportunity to participate in the 33rd SEA Games, the 22-year-old midfielder is expected to help the U.22 Vietnam team play smoother thanks to his technical style and good tactical thinking. Up to now, Viktor Le is one of the factors contributing to the impressive unbeaten record of Ha Tinh Club after 11 rounds of V-League 2024 - 2025. He has played in 9 matches in V-League up to now, contributing 1 goal.

However, the limitation of overseas Vietnamese players (if called up to the national team level) in general and Viktor Le in particular is the ability to adapt. Not to mention other aspects such as culture, lifestyle,... the most important factor for overseas Vietnamese players to be able to integrate well is Vietnamese language skills. "I know that poor physical strength and language limitations are the points that I need to improve. Recently, I have tried to practice supplementary exercises and go to the gym to improve my physical strength. Besides, I try to talk more with my teammates in the club and find a Vietnamese teacher to improve this issue", the overseas Vietnamese midfielder of Ha Tinh Club expressed.

Viktor Le is considered by experts to have a bright chance to be promoted to U.22 Vietnam if he continues to perform well in the upcoming V-League, wearing the jersey of the pink mountain team. Before competing in the 33rd SEA Games in December 2025, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team also have another task: the 2026 U.23 Asian qualifiers (held in September), with the goal of winning a ticket to the final round. Viktor Le is also qualified to be part of the U.23 Vietnam squad. The 2026 U.23 Asian qualifiers is an important arena, and also a good opportunity for Mr. Kim to select his team, in order to have the best preparation for the regional sports festival.

Viktor Le has a Vietnamese father and a Russian mother, born on November 10, 2003 in Russia, 1.78 m tall. He once helped the CSKA Moscow youth team win the Russian U.19 national championship. When returning to Vietnam, the 22-year-old midfielder initially played for Binh Dinh Club from January 2023. After 1 year playing for the martial arts team, Viktor Le joined Ha Tinh Club from February 2024.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tien-ve-viet-kieu-nga-phan-ung-bat-ngo-truoc-thong-tin-duoc-da-sea-games-185250205162903424.htm