Le Cong Vinh Coaching Internship in Japan: A New Step on the Path to Management

Former Vietnam striker Le Cong Vinh is completing a coaching internship at Hokuriku University in Japan as part of his AFC A License course. This milestone not only marks a turning point in his post-playing career but also reflects the deepening cooperation between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Japan Football Association (JFA). Born in 2026, Le Cong Vinh is one of Vietnam's greatest ever goalscorers with 51 international goals, an AFF Cup title in 2026, and numerous domestic honours. After retiring, he chose to pursue coaching rather than punditry or business. In 2026, he began the AFC A License course – a crucial certification for managing professional clubs and national teams. A distinctive aspect of his journey is his decision to study in Japan instead of Vietnam. Phase 1 of the course took place in Japan in June 2026, and Phase 2 – the practical internship – ran from September 6 to 15, 2026 at Hokuriku University, whose men's football team recently reached the final of the Japan National Student Championship. This competitive environment provides an ideal setting to apply the tactical knowledge he has acquired. According to VFF sources, the support of VFF Technical Director Koshida Takeshi was instrumental in arranging the internship. He connected Vinh with Hokuriku University's team. During the internship, Vinh was responsible for coaching core tactical themes: attacking, defending, and counter-attacking. While these are standard A License curriculum topics, practicing them with a technically sound university side gives him a chance to test his coaching ability under moderate pressure. Notably, Vinh must submit a detailed coaching report to JFA instructors as a requirement for completing Phase 2. This report will serve as the basis for evaluating his work quality. Therefore, every training session and tactical drill must meet high professional standards. JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto – a former Japan captain who played in the 2026 and 2026 World Cups – also offered words of encouragement to Vinh. In a conversation, Miyamoto emphasised that Vinh's choice to study in Japan was a correct decision and that JFA is ready to support coaches from Southeast Asia. This positive signal indicates Japan's growing football diplomacy with the region. Le Cong Vinh said he wants to make the most of his time in Japan to improve his coaching skills. He highly values JFA's training methodology, which focuses on structured build-up play from the back and transition exercises. He stated: "Japanese football has a very systematic coach education system. I want to learn from the best and apply it to Vietnamese football. I know I still have many shortcomings, but with the support of VFF and JFA, I believe I will improve." Looking ahead, Vinh plans to pursue the AFC Pro License – Asia's highest coaching certification – if given the opportunity. He is scheduled to complete his A License by April 2027, following Phase 3 in December 2026. After that, if he meets the requirements, he can apply for the Pro License, a vital step towards becoming a future national team head coach. This event carries multiple significances. First, it opens a new path for Vietnam's former internationals: instead of studying only domestically, they can seek higher-quality training abroad. Second, Vinh receiving direct support from JFA is evidence of the strategic partnership between VFF and JFA, especially under Japanese Technical Director Koshida Takeshi. This could pave the way for more Vietnamese coaches to train in Japan. From a professional angle, Vinh's internship sessions focused on attacking, defending, and counter-attacking. Although these are basic topics, coaching them in a Japanese university environment known for its high tactical foundation helps him understand modern team operation more deeply. If his sessions receive positive evaluations from JFA instructors, it would signal genuine coaching ability. Nevertheless, an objective assessment must acknowledge that Le Cong Vinh is still in the early stages of his coaching career. No specific data on session quality or player feedback is available. His real ability will only be tested when he takes on an official coaching role at a club or national team. However, his proactive learning attitude and serious investment in professional certification are very encouraging signs. Furthermore, the image of Vinh – a Vietnamese football legend – working diligently in Japan also helps build a cultural bridge between the two nations. For Vietnamese fans, it is a source of pride to see their idol still striving for the development of football at home. For the Japanese, having a former star choose Japan for professional development is a recognition of their training quality. After completing this internship, Le Cong Vinh will return to Vietnam to prepare for Phase 3 of the A License course in December. If all goes well, he will officially become a licensed A-level coach in early 2027. Many hope that with his extensive international playing experience and tactical knowledge from Japan, Vinh could become a talented coach in the near future. The lesson from Le Cong Vinh's story is clear: a coaching career cannot rely solely on past fame but requires systematic investment, continuous learning, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Such steps form the foundation for elevating Vietnamese football quality in the long term.