Xuan Son made a strong impression during Vietnam's victorious campaign at the 2024 ASEAN Cup. The 1997-born player earned two individual titles: Player of the Tournament and Top Scorer with seven goals.

Although he is recovering from an injury sustained during the ASEAN Cup 2024, there were hopes that he could recover in time to join the SEA Games 2025. Traditionally, SEA Games men's football teams included U23 players with three overage slots, but the new decision aims to promote the development of youth football.

This rule will provide more opportunities for young players to gain experience and develop, ensuring a fairer playing field for all teams. Similar age restrictions were in place for men's football at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

As Coach Kim Sang Sik prepares for SEA Games 2025, he has called up a number of young talents. U22 Vietnam previously clinched gold medals in 2019 and 2022, and bronze in 2023. Their goal for the next SEA Games is to defend their title and claim another gold.