'Lộc' knocks on Vietnam's national team door: Geovane Magno's journey of renaming and naturalization

Having spent over five years in the V-League, Geovane Magno is close to completing the process of Vietnamese naturalization, adopting the new name "Lộc," which is hoped to bring good fortune and new energy.

Vietnamese football is on the verge of welcoming another quality naturalized player as Geovane Magno is very close to finalizing his citizenship paperwork. According to the proposal of head coach Kim Sang Sik,this Brazilian midfielder is expected to add depth and quality to the Vietnam national team in the near future.

Interestingly, within Ninh Bình club, Geovane is already called by a purely Vietnamese name: "Lộc." On social media, teammates like Đặng Văn Lâm and Lê Phát often address him by this new name, while Tiến Anh humorously nicknamed him "Tài Lộc." Following "Son" and "Hên," Vietnamese football may soon welcome "Lộc" — a name symbolizing luck, prosperity, and renewal.

According to Ninh Bình club, the team is processing naturalization documents for two Brazilian players, Geovane Magno and defender Janclesio. Both have played and lived in Vietnam long enough to meet the legal requirements.

Joining the V-League since 2019 with Saigon FC, Geovane quickly proved his class with excellent individual skills, deft ball control, and effective finishing. He has worn the jerseys of Hanoi FC, Hanoi Police, and Viettel Army before arriving at Ninh Bình, leaving marks at each stop.

After more than five years committed to Vietnamese football, Geovane expressed his desire to naturalize for long-term contribution. If all procedures are completed, "Lộc" promises to become one of the most notable naturalized players in this V-League season. Initially, he must sit out two matches as required before returning to play for Ninh Bình.