The Vietnamese national football team is basking in newfound glory thanks to the stellar performance of forward Nguyễn Xuân Son, whose impact on the pitch has caught the attention of football enthusiasts and media around the globe.
Recently, Brazilian outlets expressed astonishment at the remarkable form of the naturalized player, who has made significant contributions to the team’s success. During his appearances, Xuân Son netted two goals and provided two assists against Myanmar, and followed this up by winning a penalty and scoring another goal, ensuring Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Singapore in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 semifinals.
One Brazilian newspaper, Bnews, noted, "Rafaelson (the name Xuân Son was registered under) has truly taken off with the Vietnamese national team. The striker began his career at Vitória’s youth academy but struggled to secure a spot on the senior squad. His footballing odyssey took him to Japan and Denmark before he landed in Vietnam and shone, scoring 62 goals in just 56 matches. Xuân Son’s scoring prowess is reminiscent of Harry Kane's standards.”
Another publication, Bahia Noticias, highlighted Xuân Son's remarkable rise, saying, "After his adventurous stint across Japan and Denmark, Rafaelson arrived in Vietnam in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the V-League. He even became naturalized, adopting the name Nguyễn Xuân Son. His stellar performance at the Southeast Asian football championships continues the impressive scoring trend he had established with Nam Định FC.”
Templodose Sportes also celebrated his debut, mentioning, "Xuân Son made a dream start to his career with Vietnam. Following his two-goal and two-assist performance against Myanmar, he made his mark again against Singapore, reflecting his transformation from struggles abroad to success on the Vietnamese stage, culminating his 100th league match recently.”
Although he has played only two matches for Vietnam, Xuân Son is already eyeing the top scorer title of the tournament, presently tied with other competitors on three goals, just behind Shawal Anuar from Singapore.
The excitement surrounding Xuân Son has not gone unnoticed by international observers; Indonesian media expressed envy over the quality of striker Vietnam possesses. Reports stated, "Indonesian public is envious of Vietnam for having such skilled strikers like Xuân Son. The Brazilian-born forward has taken the AFF Cup 2024 by storm, scoring three times over two matches. If Indonesia had such sharp talent, the team's strength would significantly rise. It’s fair to say Xuân Son is the best naturalized striker in Southeast Asia.”
The Vietnamese team has now arrived at Việt Trì, preparing for the return leg of the AFF Cup 2024 semifinal against Singapore on December 29. With expectations riding high, Xuân Son and his teammates carry the hopes of millions as they strive for continental glory.
Looking back, Xuân Son’s achievements reflect the burgeoning talent pool within Vietnamese football, illustrating how naturalization can enrich local teams and inspire younger players. His accolades bring hope, not just for the present success but for future developments within the sport across the nation.
