Footballer Nguyễn Xuân Son and his family on a trip to Nha Trang. — Photo courtesy of Marcele Seippel

Compiled by Thanh Nga

Nguyễn Xuân Son is a name that has become synonymous with passion and dedication in Vietnamese football.

He is not just a talented striker but also a devoted husband and an inspiring figure. His journey from Brazil to Việt Nam is a story filled with dreams, hard work and the unwavering support of his beloved wife, Marcele Seippel.

Despite suffering a serious injury during the 2024 ASEAN Cup final that forced him off the pitch, Son's spirit remained unbroken. He emerged from the tournament not only as the Top Scorer with seven goals but also as the Best Player. Such accolades are a testament to his skill and determination, earning him a special place in the hearts of millions of Vietnamese fans.

Son often expresses gratitude for the luck he feels in his life and career, attributing much of it to the unwavering support of his wife, Marcele, a Brazilian born in 1999. The couple married in 2018, and when Son moved to Việt Nam to pursue his football career, Marcele came with him. They have now lived in Việt Nam for about five years, with Marcele frequently seen cheering from the stands during Son's matches.

Marcele reflects on her husband's journey with pride, noting that Son's upbringing was far from easy.

“My husband's family used to be very poor, the whole family struggled to make a living. Since he was a child, he dreamed of being able to help his parents and change their difficult life,” she shared.

Marcele Seippel in the stands of Việt Trì Stadium cheering on her husband competing at the ASEAN Cup 2024. — Photo ngoisao.net

From a young age, Son displayed an immense passion for football, playing with friends on empty lots near his home. Growing up in a rural area, the dream of becoming a professional football player fuelled his ambition. Although his family faced financial hardships, they wholeheartedly supported his aspirations.

At the age of seven, Son received money from his parents to buy his first pair of football boots - a sum saved over many days of hard work.

Marcele remembered: “Holding the money his parents gave him, my husband didn’t have a car to go to the store. To buy his first pair of football shoes, he had to walk 8km. For a boy who is passionate about sports, that was a great joy.”

At 14, Son left his family to join a youth football team in Salvador. On his departure, he carried not only his luggage but also dreams of a brighter future, hoping to repay his parents for their sacrifices.

Marcele and Son's love story began at Christmas in 2014 in Salvador, where they met at a friend's party.

“I was impressed by his handsome appearance and smile," she said.

"After that Christmas party, we met more often and gradually developed feelings for each other. Three years later, Son and I got married.”

After more than a decade together, Marcele has witnessed Son's dedication and resilience first-hand. His time playing for Vegalta Sendai in Japan in 2018 was particularly challenging; he suffered a severe injury that sidelined him for months. During that difficult period, she became his rock, providing the emotional support he needed to recover and return to the field.

She understands the pressures that come with being a football player. When Son excels, he is showered with praise, but when he falls short of expectations, criticism can be harsh.

“My husband would sometimes cry in silence while recovering from his injury," Marcele remembered.

"He never thought of giving up, no matter the situation. Son is resilient, facing criticism with determination and striving to improve every day."

Thousands of kilometres away, Son’s parents follow their son's journey and Marcele's life through social media. They seldom miss a match featuring their son, now playing for Nam Định FC.

The happy moment when Nguyễn Xuân Son was granted Vietnamese citizenship. — Photo courtesy of Marcele Seippel

Arriving in Việt Nam felt like destiny. In 2019, Son made the move to play for Nam Định FC, and Marcele has grown fond of their life in Việt Nam.

“Before, I never thought our family would live here. The vibrant life and friendly people have made me feel excited about our new home,” she said.

In the early days in Nam Định, she faced numerous surprises as she adjusted to her new life. She soon realised that the landscape and climate in Việt Nam were not much different from her hometown, making it suitable for long-term living.

“Like Brazil, Việt Nam has a tropical climate, and everyone smiles friendly. The Vietnamese work ethic reminds me of home, and this really impressed me,” she said.

While Son trains and competes, Marcele takes care of their home and children in their small house in Nam Định City. A passionate cook, she prepares nutritious meals to help maintain her husband’s fitness for matches.

“In addition to Brazilian dishes, we really enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. Son especially loves banana cake, fried rice, phở and bún chả,” she revealed.

To Marcele, Son is not just a dedicated athlete but also a responsible family man. When he isn’t on the field, he helps with household chores, plays with their children, and even enjoys family movie nights. His two sons cling to him on days off, showcasing the loving father behind the strong footballer.

When Son announced his move to Việt Nam, she hoped he would have the chance to play with passion. To her surprise, he was naturalised and earned the opportunity to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey, receiving an outpouring of love from fans.

Footballer Nguyễn Xuân Son’s happy family. — Photo Instagram/Marcele Seippel.

After Việt Nam's matches at the ASEAN Cup 2024, fans approached her for photos and to say thanks.

“In my wildest dreams, I never imagined my husband would be so celebrated," she said.

"He is grateful for the support he receives and wants to contribute meaningfully to Vietnamese football.

“I want to learn more Vietnamese to communicate better with the audience. My husband and I have been working hard to learn and I hope one day we can speak fluently.”

Currently, Son is recovering from surgery for his injury sustained during the ASEAN Cup. He is beginning to practise and move with crutches, with an anticipated recovery of six months to a year before he returns to the field. Throughout this journey, Marcele remains his steadfast support, ready to cheer him on as he navigates the road ahead.

As they continue their journey together, the couple exemplify the power of love, resilience, and the beautiful game of football. Their story is a reminder that behind every athlete's success lies a foundation of support, commitment and an unyielding spirit. — VNS