On March 19, 2025, CLB Công An Hà Nội made headlines by announcing that Jason Quang Vinh has officially acquired Vietnamese nationality, now known as Cao Pendant Quang Vinh. The left-back, born in 1997 to a French father and Vietnamese mother, expressed his determination to be called up to represent the Vietnam national team. His journey to citizenship has filled him with pride and excitement.
In a heartfelt interview, shortly after receiving the news, Vinh shared his family's reaction. "I and my family are incredibly proud to receive Vietnamese citizenship. My mother called me while I was training, and she almost cried when I told her the news," he said, highlighting the emotional moment that solidified his connection to his heritage.
Vinh, who first came to Vietnam in 2024, has been immersing himself in the culture and language. He revealed that he dedicates three sessions a week to learning Vietnamese and uses a mobile app to self-study. "My Vietnamese is improving every day. I feel very joyful that the process of obtaining citizenship has ended well," he mentioned. His enthusiasm for the language reflects his commitment to fully integrating into Vietnamese life.
The young athlete has quickly adapted to his new home, expressing admiration for the welcoming nature of the Vietnamese people. "I love Vietnam. It’s a wonderful environment that I am living in. The Vietnamese are very kind and hospitable. My family and I enjoy the food and attractions here," Vinh noted, emphasizing his affection for the country.
However, despite his newfound citizenship and eligibility to play for the national team, Vinh's immediate involvement remains uncertain. Due to FIFA regulations, he must complete the procedures for transferring his nationality for international play before he can don the national jersey. As it stands, he is not eligible to join his teammates right away. Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad is currently preparing for the upcoming match against Laos as part of the final round of the Asian Cup qualifiers for 2027.
Vinh's journey in professional football has seen him playing for several clubs across France and the United States. He started with FC Sochaux-Montbeliard in Ligue 2 and later joined New York Red Bulls in MLS. His career continued in France with Quevilly-Rouen, where he made 33 appearances during the 2023-2024 season, contributing two assists. In the current 2024-2025 season, he has become a key player for CLB Công An Hà Nội, with 21 appearances across all competitions.
Looking ahead, Vinh's aspirations remain focused on making the Vietnamese national team. "I have officially become a Vietnamese citizen. This is a great motivation for me to continue striving on the field. I will show my best performance to prove myself worthy of being called up to the national team," he asserted, underscoring his ambition and dedication.
Cao Pendant Quang Vinh's story is not just about football; it's a narrative of identity, pride, and the pursuit of dreams. With his commitment to learn the language, embrace the culture, and perform well in his club, he is positioning himself as a potential asset for the national team. As he navigates the complexities of international football regulations, fans and supporters alike are eager to see how his journey unfolds and whether he'll soon wear the colors of Vietnam on the international stage.
