Lê Trung Vinh, born in 2003 in Chicago to Vietnamese parents, has spent several years training at the Barcelona Residency Academy in the USA, the football academy affiliated with FC Barcelona. He went on to play for youth teams of clubs like Chicago Magic and Houston FC. Lê Trung Vinh was also a member of the U19 MLS team that reached the semifinals of the national U19 tournament in the United States.
Lê Trung Vinh in U21 HAGL colors. Photo: FBNV.
In March 2023, Lê Trung Vinh joined the Ho Chi Minh City Club. Unfortunately, this Vietnamese-American midfielder had limited playing opportunities and was only registered for the National Cup. By mid-2024, he moved to play for the U21 HAGL in the 2024 U21 National Championship, where he performed well and helped the team win the championship under the recommendation of coach Vũ Tiến Thành.
After that, Lê Trung Vinh signed a one-year contract with Đồng Tháp to compete in the 2024/2025 National First Division. However, just three matches into his tenure with the Mekong Delta team, the 2003-born player requested an early contract termination to return to the U.S. with his family.
“SEA Games 33 will be an opportunity for them to reclaim their debts from Vietnam.”
The 2025 SEA Games 33 is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, as Thailand and Indonesia aim to regain their status after losing to Vietnam in the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Former Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Dương Vũ Lâm believes that the U22 Vietnam team has significant potential but will face major challenges from two strong rivals in the region.
The Vietnam National Team convincingly won the ASEAN Cup 2024.
According to Dương Vũ Lâm, Vietnam’s victory over Thailand and Indonesia in the AFF Cup has increased the determination of these two football nations. “SEA Games 33 will be an opportunity for them to reclaim their debts, but if the U22 Vietnam team prepares well, we stand a chance to defend our title,” he shared. Beyond the SEA Games, 2025 will be a pivotal year for Vietnamese football as it sets its sights on further goals like the Asian Cup 2027 and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Arsenal Sets High Price for Real Madrid’s Interest in Saliba
According to The Mirror, Arsenal will only allow William Saliba to join Real Madrid if the Spanish club meets a record fee for a defender. Saliba is currently a top target for “Los Blancos” after displaying impressive form at Arsenal.
William Saliba.
The French defender’s contract with the “Gunners” runs until 2027, and Arsenal is reluctant to sell their “golden player” for a low price. The current record transfer fee is £78.3 million for Harry Maguire, and Arsenal is looking to receive a similar amount for Saliba’s departure.
Liverpool Faces Long-Term Loss of Joe Gomez
Coach Arne Slot deployed a ‘B’ team featuring Joe Gomez, one of the most experienced players, in a match against Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round. Unfortunately for Liverpool, the 27-year-old English defender sustained a serious injury and had to leave the field just 10 minutes into the match.
Joe Gomez.
According to British media, Gomez appears to have suffered a hamstring injury, which could keep him out for several months. After a collision with an opponent, Gomez felt discomfort and requested to be substituted. He informed coach Arne Slot that the injury might worsen if he sprinted again.
Updating Gomez’s condition, the Dutch coach stated: “I’m not quite sure yet as I haven’t had the chance to ask him in detail. But clearly, it was a difficult and unsettling moment. Gomez told me he was worried that things would get worse if he tried to sprint one more time.”
Former Teammate Admits Affair with Icardi’s Wife
Keita Balde and Mauro Icardi were once teammates at Inter Milan and Barcelona’s youth team. However, they may now be at odds after Balde revealed that he had an affair with Wanda Nara while she was still married to Icardi.
Keita Balde admits to having an affair with Wanda Nara.
Balde publicly confessed to the affair with Wanda Nara on the Verissimo television channel. The Senegalese striker said, “It was the biggest mistake of my life to betray the love of my life (referring to his wife, Simona Guatieri). But I think it was just a moment of ‘infatuation’ with Wanda Nara, so calling it betrayal is a bit strong.”
Balde disclosed this story in hopes of mending his relationship with his wife, Simona Guatieri. Currently, Balde’s wife has filed for divorce, but the Sivasspor forward does not want to separate from the mother of his two children.