Football

Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes or Nguyễn Xuân Son (centre) expects to play for the national team after he receives a Vietnamese citizenship. Photos courtesy of VPF

Thanh Hà

National champion club Thép Xanh Nam Định have registered their striker Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes as a local player for the upcoming V.League 1 season, after his application for Vietnamese citizenship met all the requirements under the Vietnamese Nationality Law.

The Brazilian, who will soon receive his new passport under the name Nguyễn Xuân Son, can’t wait to play his first match as a Vietnamese citizen.

“I think people can call me by any name, I like both,” Son said at the club’s recent send-off ceremony.

“This is a big moment in my life, a special time for me and my family. I’ve received great support from the club’s managers, teammates, and fans. It motivates me to have another excellent season.

"Currently, I’m focused on being in the best shape, both physically and mentally, for the new season. My goal is to score in every match, and I’ve been preparing for that through intense training on the field, in the gym, and everywhere possible.”

Sharp striker

Born in Pirapemas, Brazil, in 1997, Son began his football career at Esporte Clube Bahia and Vitória FC. He played for Vitória until 2018, before moving to Japanese club Vegalta Sendai on loan for the 2018-19 season. He then had a stint with Naestved FC in Denmark before arriving in Việt Nam.

In the V.League 1, Son has played for Nam Định, SHB Đà Nẵng, and Bình Định, returning to Nam Định for the 2023-24 season, which turned out to be the best of his career. He broke the national scoring record with 31 goals, surpassing the previous record of 25 goals set by Lê Huỳnh Đức in 1996, and was instrumental in helping Nam Định claim their first-ever national championship title.

Rafaelson (left) seen in action during the match between Nam Định and Khánh Hòa in the 2023 season. — Photo of VPF

Alongside the championship, he was named in the season’s Best XI and secured a hat-trick of awards, including Top Scorer, Most Valuable Player, and Best Goal of the V.League 1.

In late August, the 27-year-old scored twice in Nam Định’s 3-0 victory over Thanh Hóa to win the 2024 National Super Cup, another first for the club.

Son's exceptional performance also placed him among the world’s top 10 strikers with the most goals in national championships for 2024.

A new home

Having lived in Việt Nam for five years, Son felt it was the right time to apply for Vietnamese citizenship. He explained that Việt Nam has become not just the place where he plays football, but also where he enjoys life and hopes to contribute as a new citizen.

Nguyễn Xuân Son of Nam Định (centre) vies for a ball during the V.League 1 match against HCM City last season. — Photo of VPF

With the support of Nam Định FC and the provincial People’s Committee [Administration], Son completed the necessary procedures for citizenship, and his application was soon approved by Nam Định's Department of Justice.

Nam Định FC has already listed him as a local player for domestic competitions, and he’s also prepared to represent the club in the AFC tournament, where Nam Định will compete for the first time.

“I’ve adapted quickly to life here. I love Việt Nam, its people, the climate, and the food – so does my family. Life here is smooth,” Son said.

“Becoming a Vietnamese citizen is a privilege, and I’m proud of the sacrifices I’ve made to achieve this. Playing as a domestic player is a great opportunity for me and a wish fulfilled for Nam Định fans. It’s a strong motivation for me to keep striving and contribute to my new country, Việt Nam.”

Son also hopes his naturalisation will provide him with the opportunity to represent the national team.

Nguyễn Xuân Son and his family celebrate Nam ĐỊnh's Super Cup victory.

Naturalisation supported

The naturalisation of talented foreign players has gained the support of both experts and local players. Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC coach Vũ Tiến Thành believes it’s a positive step for Vietnamese football.

“I think it’s good for Vietnamese football. These players can be valuable assets for the national team and can raise the level of competition in the local leagues,” Thành said.

Goalkeeper Trần Nguyên Mạnh also praised Son’s talent, noting his comprehensive skills as a striker.

“If he plays for Việt Nam, he’ll definitely boost our scoring ability. His presence in the national team will also help local players improve by training alongside such a high-class player,” Mạnh said.

Rafaelson (left) receives an award for the most valuable player of the 2023 season. — VNS Photo Quang Thịnh

National team head coach Kim Sang-sik echoed these sentiments, stating that while the current squad is strong, Son’s inclusion would significantly enhance the team’s capabilities. Kim is eagerly awaiting the completion of Son’s citizenship application so he can call him up for the national team.

If all goes smoothly, Son could be eligible to play for the Vietnamese national team in time for the 2024 ASEAN Cup later this year. VNS