Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes has scored 26 goals for Nam Định in V.League 1 2023/24. Photo vanhoavaphattrien.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes has made history in Vietnamese football by becoming the player who has scored the most goals in a single V.League 1 season.

With 26 goals after 21 matches, the Brazilian striker has surpassed the previous record of 25 goals set by legendary Vietnamese player Lê Huỳnh Đức in 1996.

Prior to the 21st match, Fernandes had already scored 21 goals, making him the first player to exceed the 20-goal mark in a V.League 1 season since 2016. And in the 21st match, he continued his impressive form, netting five goals to help his team Nam Định come from behind to beat Đông Á Thanh Hóa 5-2, cementing his team's position at the top of the league standings.

This is only the second time in V.League 1 history that a player has scored five goals in a single match. The first was Nguyễn Đình Việt in 2007.

With 26 goals, Fernandes has officially broken the record for most goals scored in a V.League 1 season and is now set to become the top scorer of the 2023/24 season, far outpacing the second-placed player, Lucas Vinicius Gonçalves Silva of Hải Phòng, who has only 12 goals.

Fernandes's impressive form has been a significant contributing factor to Nam Định's strong performance in the championship race this year. With five matches remaining, Fernandes is expected to continue increasing his goal tally and setting new records for himself.

This season will also mark the second consecutive time Fernandes wins the V.League 1 top scorer title, barring any miraculous breakthroughs from other strikers in the final five matches.

Fernandes has been standing out with his diverse finishing ability and excellent individual technique, making him one of the most exciting strikers in the national premiere league at the moment.

With his impressive performance and high determination, Fernandes is expected to continue reaching new heights in his career.

Fernandes has expressed his intention to apply for Vietnamese citizenship and represent the national team, but he will first need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include a minimum of five years of residency in Việt Nam. He has lived in the country for slightly over four years. VNS