A lineup of naturalized stars who could help Vietnam's national team win the AFF Cup 2026

At the AFF Cup 2026, Vietnam's national team will have the support of a number of talented naturalized players.

With a strategy to strengthen the squad through high-quality naturalized players, Vietnam's national team under coach Kim Sang Sik now boasts a formidable lineup, ready to defend their title at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Players such as Nguyễn Xuân Son, Đỗ Hoàng Hên, Đỗ Phi Long, and the promising Geovane Magno are expected to bring exceptional strength, helping the "Golden Star Warriors" aim for a successful title defense.

Nguyễn Xuân Son: The top hope in the attacking line

Nguyễn Xuân Son (original name Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes, born 1997, Brazil) is a living example of the success of the naturalization policy. Officially acquiring Vietnamese citizenship in 2024 after five years playing in the V-League, Xuân Son quickly became a key player for Vietnam's national team. With sharp finishing skills, speed, and physical strength, he played a major role in the team's championship. He also earned the titles of "Best Player of the Tournament" and "Top Scorer".

After recovering from injury, Xuân Son is gradually regaining his peak form with the Steel Blue Nam Định club, notably scoring 7 consecutive goals in the Shopee Cup over two months.

Đỗ Hoàng Hên: The "playmaker" from Brazil

Đỗ Hoàng Hên (original name Hendrio Araújo da Silva, born 1994, Brazil) officially became a Vietnamese citizen in October 2025. Hoàng Hên has accumulated over 29 goals and 31 assists in the V-League, proving his value with excellent individual technique, playmaking ability, and impressive long-range shooting.

At the naturalization ceremony, Hoàng Hên expressed: "I am eager to contribute to Vietnamese football". With his versatility (playing as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or winger), he is expected to bring creativity to Vietnam's midfield, smoothly linking up with Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức. Coach Kim Sang-sik has often praised Hoàng Hên's potential, and it is likely he will be an indispensable member of Vietnam's squad for the match against Malaysia in March, as well as the upcoming ASEAN Cup 2026.

Đỗ Phi Long: The 1.95m "steel shield"

Đỗ Phi Long (original name Gustavo Sant'Ana Santos, born 1995, Brazil) is the newest recruit, completing his naturalization process in December 2025. Standing at an impressive 1.95m, Phi Long offers a significant advantage in aerial duels and one-on-one battles. Currently playing for SHB Đà Nẵng, he has demonstrated his extensive experience through multiple V.League seasons.

Following Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên, Phi Long is regarded as a high-quality naturalized player who can immediately reinforce Vietnam's defense — a line needing balance between strength and speed. Paired with domestic center-backs like Bùi Tiến Dũng and Nguyễn Thành Chung, Phi Long promises to form a "steel wall" in front of Vietnam's goal.

Geovane Magno: The upcoming "blockbuster" signing?

Geovane Magno (born 1994, Brazil), currently playing for Ninh Bình FC, is the most anticipated name among potential naturalized players. Having played in Vietnam since the 2019/2020 season (with clubs such as Hà Nội FC, Thể Công Viettel, and Công an Hà Nội), Geovane has submitted his application and received support from the VFF and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism since late 2025.

Although not officially finalized yet, many sources claim that Geovane will take the Vietnamese name Nguyễn Tài Lộc. With his impressive height, solid technique, and ability to play multiple positions (attacking midfielder or striker), he will be a perfect fit for the attacking line.

Moreover, besides these naturalized stars, Vietnam's national team also has a quality group of overseas Vietnamese players, including Đặng Văn Lâm, Nguyễn Filip, Jason Quang Vinh, and most recently Patrik Lê Giang, who has just obtained citizenship.

The presence of both naturalized stars and overseas Vietnamese players promises to create an ambitious Vietnam national team. The ASEAN Cup 2026 will be their stage to prove their worth, and Vietnamese fans eagerly await their top-level performances.