Vietnam national team defender Doan Van Hau has finally returned to competitive football after spending nearly two years on the sidelines due to a serious heel injury that once threatened to end his career. The 26-year-old marked his long-awaited comeback in the 2025/2026 ASEAN Club Championship, where he started for Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) FC against Buriram United at the Chang Arena on Wednesday night (December 3, 2025).
Under head coach Alexandre Polking, Van Hau was not only trusted to start but was also given a full 90 minutes, signaling strong confidence in his recovery and readiness. His presence was pivotal as CAHN FC nearly secured a dramatic victory on Thai soil.
CAHN Almost Steal Victory, but Late Penalty Denies Three Points
CAHN FC took the lead early through Leo Artur, who scored in the 10th minute after a quick break. For a brief moment, it seemed the Vietnamese champions would walk away with all three points. However, fortune turned against them when midfielder Stefan Mauk was penalized for a handball inside the box in stoppage time.
Buriram striker Bissoli Campos calmly converted from the spot in the 90+1 minute, forcing the match to end 1-1. The result was disappointing for CAHN but still carried a positive note: the successful return of Van Hau.
Notably, Indonesian internationals Sandy Walsh and Shayne Pattynama, both key players for Buriram United, did not feature in the match—preventing what could have been a much-anticipated duel between Van Hau and Walsh.
Two Years of Pain and Uncertainty
Doan Van Hau’s comeback is particularly remarkable given the severity of his injury. The defender suffered major damage to his heel in September 2023. Despite undergoing surgery, the first procedure did not yield the desired results. Recovery stalled, complications followed, and he was later advised to seek advanced medical treatment abroad.
For a long period, it seemed unclear whether Van Hau would ever be able to return to professional football. The mental and physical toll of the injury was immense, especially considering he was entering what should have been the peak of his career.
But after nearly two full years of rehabilitation, setbacks, and persistence, the former SC Heerenveen player finally stepped back on the pitch.
Expressing his gratitude and relief, Van Hau posted on social media:
“Life is a collection of beautiful moments mixed with difficulties, but you must keep moving forward. Never give up. Happy to be back.”
Impressive Return Draws Praise
Vietnamese sports outlet ZingNews praised Van Hau’s performance, highlighting his solid defensive work and ability to lock down the left flank.
Their report stated:
“In the role of left-back, Doan Van Hau defended extremely effectively, trapping Buriram winger Peter Zulj and limiting his movement.”
They added that Zulj received one of the lowest match ratings, underscoring how well Van Hau neutralized the Austrian attacker.
For a player returning from a long-term injury, such composure and tactical sharpness were highly encouraging signs.
A Polarizing Figure in Southeast Asian Football
Doan Van Hau’s career has long been intertwined with regional rivalry—especially with Indonesia. For many Indonesian supporters, he remains one of the most controversial footballers in Southeast Asia.
He famously scored two goals in the 2019 SEA Games final, helping Vietnam defeat Indonesia 3-0 to win the gold medal. But the match is often remembered for Van Hau’s harsh tackle on Evan Dimas, which forced the Indonesian midfielder off the pitch and sparked heated reactions.
His presence again stirred tension in subsequent matches, including during the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers and the 2022 AFF Championship, where several incidents involving Van Hau fueled debates across Southeast Asian football communities.
A New Chapter Begins
Now fully fit and back in action, Doan Van Hau aims to rebuild his career and reclaim his position as one of Vietnam’s most influential defenders. His performance against Buriram United showed glimpses of the physicality, defensive discipline, and confidence that once made him a cornerstone of the national team.
Whether he can stay injury-free and return to his top form remains to be seen—but for Vietnam and CAHN FC, his comeback alone is already a major victory.
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