Vietnam Championship. V-League
The V-League, officially the National Football Championship V.League 1, is the top tier of professional football in Vietnam. It features the country's elite clubs competing for the title and spots in Asian continental tournaments, serving as the cornerstone of Vietnamese football and drawing fans across Southeast Asia.
History and foundation
Launched in 2000 from an amateur predecessor, the V-League crowned Song Lam Nghe An as inaugural champions. Renamed in 2006 and expanded in 2016, it has seen Hanoi dominate the 2010s, match-fixing scandals in 2010-2011 prompting stricter oversight, and Viettel's farm team shockingly winning in 2019, sparking format debates.
Tournament format
The league operates a double round-robin with 14 teams playing 26 matches each; the top finisher claims the title. Bottom two face relegation to V.League 2, with playoffs possible. Seasons run spring to autumn, pausing for national cups and ASEAN events. VAR introduction in 2023 has enhanced refereeing standards.
Interesting facts
Known for goal-fests, averaging 2.7 goals per game. All-time top scorer Le Cong Vinh with 184 goals for Hanoi. Stars include Nguyen Quang Hai (over 120 goals), Tran Manh Hoi, and Brazilian Guilherme de Paula. Past icons: Fabrice, Vietnamese-Czech Le Quang Hai, mesmerizing with dribbles and set-pieces. The league nurtures talents exported to Japan and Europe.