Đặng Văn Lâm is a professional goalkeeper for the Vietnam national team who stands 1.93 meters tall. He made history in 2021 as the first Vietnamese athlete to play for a J1 League club when he signed with Cerezo Osaka. Known for his role in the 2018 AFF Championship, he remains a prominent defensive figure in Vietnamese professional football.
Standing 1.93 meters tall, Đặng Văn Lâm navigated a complex career path between Russian football divisions and the top tier of Vietnamese professional clubs. Born in Moscow on 13 August 1993, the goalkeeper eventually secured his place as a primary starter for the Vietnam national team after navigating early professional stagnation at Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
Early Career and European Influence
Born to Đặng Văn Sơn and Olga Zhukova, the goalkeeper was named Lev in honor of the Soviet player Lev Yashin. Despite the artistic background of his parents, he pursued professional football in his birthplace. His early career included stints with Hoang Anh Gia Lai and loan spells in Laos, followed by a return to Russia to gain experience in lower-tier clubs before moving back to Vietnam to join Hải Phòng in 2015.
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In 2021, the player reached a significant professional milestone by signing with the Japanese club Cerezo Osaka. This move established him as the first Vietnamese athlete to play in a J1 League club. His time in Japan included starts in the JFA Emperor's Cup against Gainare Tottori and a 2021 AFC Champions League group stage fixture against Guangzhou FC, though he eventually sought more consistent playing time elsewhere.
Domestic Success and National Representation
After returning to Vietnam to play for Topenland Bình Định in 2022, he helped the team reach the National Cup semi-finals and served as captain during the 2023–24 season, where the club achieved its highest league finish as runners-up. Internationally, he emerged as a key defensive figure for Vietnam, securing the 2018 AFF Championship and playing a pivotal role in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final qualification by saving a penalty against Jordan.
Transfer to Phù Đổng Ninh Bình
In August 2024, the goalkeeper entered into a four-year contract with LPBank Hồ Chí Minh City in the V.League 2. This tenure was brief, as the club's entire roster and staff were transferred to Phù Đổng Ninh Bình one month later. He continues to play for this organization while remaining a prominent selection for the Vietnam national squad.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 August 1993, Moscow
- Citizenship: Vietnam, Russia
- Height: 1.93 meters
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Language proficiency: Vietnamese, Russian, English
- Religion: Orthodox Christian
- Marriage: 7 July 2024, Nha Trang
- Spouse: Bùi Thị Yến Xuân
Questions readers ask
What is Đặng Văn Lâm's background in Russia?
He was born in Moscow to a Vietnamese father and a Russian mother, holding dual citizenship and maintaining an interest in the Russia national football team.
Did he play professionally in Japan?
Yes, he signed with Cerezo Osaka in 2021, becoming the first Vietnamese player to appear in the J1 League.
