Quế Ngọc Hải, the prominent Vietnamese defender, recently gained international attention when FIFA's official World Cup homepage celebrated him alongside Portuguese football legend Pepe. The March 3, 2025, post highlighted the shared identity of both players, each wearing the number 3 jersey for their respective national teams, but also emphasized their similar styles of play.
According to FIFA, both defenders possess tenacity unrivaled among their peers, often demonstrating fierce determination and willingness to contest every ball. They are not only known for their aggressive playing style but also for their leadership abilities on the field. The global football community has since drawn parallels between Quế Ngọc Hải and Pepe, noting their strong fighting spirit and commanding presence.
Pepe, born in 1983, has a storied history as one of the world's top defenders. He made 141 appearances for the Portuguese national team and was pivotal to their success at the UEFA Euro 2016, where they captured the coveted title. He also amassed three Champions League titles during his tenure with Real Madrid, showcasing not only his defensive prowess but also his knack for contributing to high-pressure matches. Despite a career marred by controversial fouls, earning him the nickname "the butcher," Pepe's professional spirit and endurance earned him respect among fans and players alike.
On the other hand, Quế Ngọc Hải, who came onto the scene more than a decade ago, has risen to prominence as one of Vietnam's most reliable defenders. Notably, he captained the national team from 2019 to 2021 and was instrumental during their triumph at the 2018 AFF Cup, which remains one of the peaks of Vietnamese football.
He also contributed significantly to Vietnam's historic ascent to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup 2019 and participated actively during the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. His leadership and skillful style of play have positioned him as one of the finest defenders to ever emerge from Vietnam.
Yet, with recent fitness concerns, Quế Ngọc Hải was not selected for the ASEAN Cup 2024. Despite this setback, he continues to fiercely follow the national team’s progress and celebrates their victories, embodying the support and dedication expected from a national team player.
Fans across Vietnam have expressed overwhelming pride following FIFA’s accolades. Many have taken to social media to convey their excitement, pondering the similarities between Quế and his idol, Sergio Ramos, another legendary defender who played alongside Pepe at Real Madrid from 2007 to 2017. Such admiration reflects not just the recognition of individual talent, but also the hope for Quế Ngọc Hải to reclaim his spot on the national roster and continue to strengthen his game.
The recent FIFA comparison has stirred conversations about the future of Quế Ngọc Hải. The football community has begun speculating about whether he can continue to perform at this level, especially considering his previous accolades and contributions to the sport.
He has already played 13 matches this season for Bình Dương, demonstrating his commitment to regaining peak performance. His recent match, where Bình Dương triumphed over Bình Định 1-0, showcases his potential to return to the form expected of players during international tournaments.
While Quế Ngọc Hải acknowledges he has not yet matched Pepe's illustrious career, he views the comparison made by FIFA as both flattering and motivating, emphasizing how much respect he holds for the Portuguese defender. The acknowledgment from such a prominent football organization acknowledges Quế Ngọc Hải's impact not just on the pitch but also highlights his growing reputation within the larger framework of international football.
Looking forward, if Quế Ngọc Hải maintains his form, it's plausible we may witness him donning the national jersey again. His ambition and drive remain strong, aimed at one day matching the heights set by both Pepe and his idol, Sergio Ramos. With supportive fans and the rich footballing culture of Vietnam behind him, the future looks promising for Quế Ngọc Hải.
Whether as captain or teammate, he continues to inspire young players across the country, embodying the spirit of Vietnamese football as he works to keep climbing the ranks, showcasing resilience and talent on the global stage. This recent recognition by FIFA is not merely recognition of past accomplishments, but rather, it's seen as fertile ground for what lies ahead for this outstanding defender.