Southeast Asian fans are buzzing as Hoàng Hên makes his debut for the Vietnamese national team.

Hoàng Hên's first call-up to the Vietnamese national team instantly sparked interest among Southeast Asian fans, given the scenario of him playing alongside Xuân Son against Malaysia.

Shortly after the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) confirmed Đỗ Hoàng Hên's first inclusion in the national team squad, the Southeast Asian fan community immediately erupted in discussion, particularly centered around the new naturalized player Hoàng Hên.

Some notable comments from regional fans:

• Indonesian fans: "Vietnam is now following the naturalization trend like Indonesia, the Asian Cup will be very interesting to watch."

• Malaysian fans: "Combining Hoàng Hên with Xuân Son? Malaysia should really be cautious for the upcoming match."

• Thai fans : "If Hoàng Hên performs at the level he showed at Hà Nội FC or previously at Nam Định, Vietnam's midfield will be extremely dangerous."

• Philippine fans: "It's not very fair if there are too many naturalized players, but if the rules allow it, then there's nothing wrong."

According to the announcement from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Hoàng Hên is included in the squad preparing for the friendly match against Bangladesh and the rematch against Malaysia in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. This is seen as a significant addition to the midfield under coach Kim Sang-sik.

Hoàng Hên is actually the Vietnamese name of Brazilian-born midfielder Hendrio Araujo, who completed his naturalization process in October 2025 after more than five years of living and playing in Vietnam. Developed in Spanish football, he possesses good individual technique, modern playing mindset, and flexible handling in tight spaces.

According to FIFA regulations, the midfielder born in 1994 is eligible to play for the Vietnamese national team from late 2025. This opens the opportunity for him to participate in important campaigns, including the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Despite missing part of the 2025/26 V.League season to complete the procedures, Hoàng Hên quickly made an impact at Hà Nội FC with 6 goals and 2 assists in 10 matches. Not only directly contributing to scoring, he also played the role of a "conductor," orchestrating and connecting the team's play.

Hoàng Hên's most impressive performance came in the capital derby, where he scored a double to help Hà Nội FC defeat Công An Hà Nội, ending their unbeaten run. That match clearly demonstrated this midfielder's ability to lead the play and create breakthroughs.

As the Vietnamese national team prepares to face Malaysia—a direct competitor in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers—Hoàng Hên's arrival is expected to make the midfield more creative and dynamic, especially if he can effectively link up with key striker Xuân Son.

Immediately, the friendly match against Bangladesh on March 26 will be an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess personnel and help Hoàng Hên gradually integrate with the "Golden Star Warriors."