The AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 concluded on January 24 with Japan defeating China 4-0 in the final. Japan’s Ryunosuke Sato also ended the tournament with four goals after scoring in the final.

Under AFC regulations, when players are tied on goals and assists, the Top Scorer Award is decided by total minutes played. Dinh Bac logged 361 minutes, fewer than Sato’s 446, allowing the Vietnamese striker to secure the title.

The 21-year-old striker found the net in four separate matches during Vietnam’s campaign. He scored in Vietnam’s 2-0 win over Jordan and netted the only goal in a 1-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

In the quarter-finals, Dinh Bac headed home a crucial goal in Vietnam’s dramatic 3-2 win over the United Arab Emirates. He continued his fine form in the third-place playoff, converting a free kick in Vietnam’s penalty shootout victory over South Korea.

In addition to his four goals, Dinh Bac provided two assists, directly contributing to six of Vietnam’s 10 goals at the tournament and emerging as the focal point of the team’s attack.

Despite missing out on the title, Japan’s Ryunosuke Sato was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Vietnam U23 returned to Hanoi on January 24 after finishing third at the continental tournament. Dinh Bac is expected to enjoy a short break before rejoining Hanoi Police FC as preparations begin for the second phase of the 2025–26 domestic season.

Vietnam U23 welcomed home by fans after Asian Cup campaign

VOV.VN - Head coach Kim Sang-sik and the Vietnamese team returned home to a warm welcome from thousands of fans on the evening of January 24 following their impressive performance at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.