Southeast Asian Football Leagues overview: Vietnam’s V.League 1
In our ongoing exploration of Southeast Asia’s football landscapes, we shift our focus to Vietnam, specifically looking into the Night Wolf V.League 1. Vietnam’s premier professional football league, overseen by the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), features 14 clubs engaging in spirited competition through home-and-away fixtures. The coveted prize for the league’s top performer is not just local acclaim but also a ticket to the prestigious AFC Champions League 2.
The previous season saw Cong An clinch the championship, breaking a 39-year title drought. Their remarkable journey culminated in a dramatic victory, finishing level on points with defending champions Hanoi FC but edging ahead on goal difference, with 18 goals to Hanoi’s 13. Cong An, affiliated with the People’s Public Security, holds a significant presence in Vietnamese football. The club, representing law enforcement agencies, boasts a dedicated fan base. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC, also based in the capital city, stands as one of Vietnam’s most successful and popular football clubs, consistently excelling in both domestic and international arenas. Noteworthy is the fact that the third team in the mix, Viettel, also calls Hanoi home, creating a football fervor in the city. So the three best Vietnamese club of last season were all located in Hanoi city.
In terms of attendance, Nam Dinh FC emerges as the crowd-puller, drawing an impressive average of 12,900 spectators to Thien Truong Stadium. Cong An Ha Noi FC at Hang Day Stadium records an average attendance of 10,182, while Dong A Thanh Hoa FC at Thanh Hoa Stadium maintains a respectable average of 7,091 spectators. Nam Dinh FC’s consistent high attendance underscores robust fan support and enthusiasm for their matches, adding vibrancy to Vietnam’s football landscape.