Trần Gia Bảo, a promising young footballer ranked among the top 60 Next Generation talents by The Guardian, has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Vietnam U20 football team. The coaching staff made this decision during the team's first friendly match in Japan, where they played against Osaka University of Economics, resulting in a 0-0 draw.

The U20 Vietnam team embarked on their training camp in Japan on August 7, 2026, after gathering 30 players at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center on August 3. The roster includes several players who participated in the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship, alongside emerging talents such as Nguyễn Văn Khánh, Bạch Trọng Dương, Lê Tấn Dũng, Nguyễn Văn Bách, Nguyễn Thiên Phú, and Lê Văn Hoàn. Among these, Gia Bảo stands out as the most notable player.

Born in 2008, Gia Bảo has gained significant playing experience at various youth levels and in the V-League. His appointment as captain during the first friendly match in Japan highlights his growing importance in the team's plans. He previously gained attention in late 2025 when he became the only representative from Vietnam included in The Guardian's list of the 60 most promising young talents worldwide. Additionally, he made history as the youngest player to score in the V-League and has shown his potential by scoring against the U17 Japan team.

It is worth noting that Gia Bảo was not part of the U19 Vietnam team during the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship, as he was retained by HAGL to play in the V-League. He quickly proved his worth by scoring in the final two rounds of the league, demonstrating impressive form. Meanwhile, the U19 Vietnam team struggled without him, exiting the tournament in the group stage.

Following the match against Osaka University of Economics, the U20 Vietnam team has several more fixtures scheduled in Japan on August 10, 12, 13, 15, and 16, where they will face various local teams. These matches will serve as crucial opportunities for Gia Bảo and his teammates to gain experience and refine their playing style ahead of the 2027 U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.