February 26 – Vietnam’s ambitions on the global football stage have received another boost, as the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Germany’s DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this morning which will extend their existing partnership until 2028.
The renewed deal builds on an existing collaboration and signals Vietnam’s intent to further professionalise its footballing structures. Central to this extended partnership is the ‘Bundesliga Dream’ project, an initiative designed to improve the quality of Vietnam’s youth national teams and increase their competitiveness on the international stage.
Under the agreement, Bundesliga clubs will provide technical expertise, sports science support, and medical guidance to the VFF, with an emphasis on enhancing youth and women’s football. There will also be an exchange programme for coaches and medical staff, helping to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic football ecosystem with knowledge from one of the world’s most structured football leagues.
Since first teaming up in 2022, the VFF and the Bundesliga have been working closely to establish a more systematic approach to talent development. The aim is clear: to ensure Vietnam’s rising football stars are not only nurtured locally but also equipped with the tools to compete at the highest level.
For the Bundesliga, the partnership further cements its footprint in Southeast Asia, a region where European football enjoys a devoted following. While the deal won’t immediately turn Vietnam into a powerhouse, it does reinforce the country’s commitment to structured, long-term growth – and if the Bundesliga knows one thing, it’s the value of solid foundations.
The Bundesliga has had more Asian players than the other top European leagues combined in the last 20 years, helping it earn its place as a premium destination for talented young Asian players to develop their game.
At the signing ceremony, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan hailed the partnership as a major milestone for Vietnamese football, opening up new development opportunities. He praised the Bundesliga’s rich history, world-class standards, and structured youth training system, calling it the ideal partner to support Vietnam’s footballing ambitions.
Peer Naubert, Managing Director of Bundesliga International GmbH, highlighted that the renewed collaboration builds on the strong foundation established through past initiatives. He emphasised that the primary goal remains to elevate Vietnamese football and drive its progress at all levels.
Naubert also stressed that the partnership extends beyond men’s football, with a strong commitment to supporting the growth of women’s football in Vietnam as well.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1740585105labto1740585105ofdlr1740585105owedi1740585105sni@g1740585105niwe.1740585105yrrah1740585105
