Nguyen Xuan Son’s debut for the Vietnam national team was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a performance marked by technical mastery, professionalism, dedication, and an immense love for Vietnam and its football culture. At 27 years old, the forward showcased his skills and passion, leaving an indelible mark on both fans and the team.
On December 21, at Viet Tri Stadium, Xuan Son delivered a stunning display with two goals, two assists, and countless moments of brilliance. His remarkable performance established him as one of the most impressive debutants in the history of Vietnam’s national team. The forward, born in 1997, turned weeks of anticipation into a spectacular showcase of talent and determination.
The Vietnam national team had never witnessed such a high-level debut before. Xuan Son dominated the game, scoring goals, assisting teammates, and seamlessly connecting plays. The Brazilian-born striker’s all-encompassing contribution to the team’s attacking front created a ripple effect, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. He assisted Vi Hao and Tien Linh in scoring, opened up space for Quang Hai to fire a long-range shot past Myanmar’s goalkeeper, and scored two goals himself with a combination of power and finesse. The skills that saw him net 31 goals in the previous V-League season were on full display, elevating Vietnam’s offensive strategy to new heights.
What made Xuan Son’s debut even more special was his heartfelt expression of love for Vietnam. Every sprint, every touch of the ball, and every gesture showed his commitment to the team and the country. His celebratory kiss on the national flag on his jersey exemplified his gratitude and dedication, with his actions conveying the sentiment that it was all for the Vietnamese fans. This love story with Vietnam began five years ago when he, then known as Rafaelson, joined Nam Dinh FC, a team striving to avoid relegation at the time. Although his six goals in his debut season were not enough to surpass expectations, his relentless energy and fighting spirit left a lasting impression on Nam Dinh supporters.
Xuan Son’s perseverance soon caught the attention of other V-League teams. Despite starting his Vietnamese journey with a club fighting to stay afloat, he chose to stay in the country, driven by a deep-seated affection for Vietnam. Unlike most foreign players who either end their careers in Vietnam or work as mercenaries hopping from one club to another, Xuan Son was a rare exception. He arrived during the prime of his career and embraced the challenges of starting from smaller teams to find his place. From Nam Dinh to Da Nang, then Binh Dinh, and eventually back to Nam Dinh, Xuan Son’s skills and love for Vietnam grew stronger. He adapted to the local lifestyle, learned Vietnamese—from basic daily conversations to football commands—and immersed himself in the culture, even enjoying casual outings with his family like a true local.
After a stellar 2023-2024 season, during which he claimed both the top scorer title and the MVP award, Xuan Son received several lucrative offers, including one from a Saudi Arabian club. These offers promised financial stability far beyond what Nam Dinh could provide. Growing up in a Brazilian slum, where he played football in torn shoes and hustled for opportunities, Xuan Son understood the value of money. Football was his way to support his family, and a higher-paying job would have been a logical choice.
Yet, Xuan Son chose to stay in Vietnam. For him, football transcended monetary gain; it was about passion and love. Vietnam had welcomed him with open arms when he was Rafaelson, and as Nguyen Xuan Son, he felt a duty to give back. Few know that he diligently studied Vietnamese, learned the national anthem, and familiarized himself with the team’s history long before gaining Vietnamese citizenship. This dedication spoke volumes about his character and loyalty.
Coach Kim Sang-sik recognized Xuan Son’s potential early on, planning to include him in the squad months before his debut. Vietnam’s more open-minded approach toward naturalized players with no Vietnamese roots paved the way for Xuan Son’s inclusion. It was a perfect match at the right time.
Even the name he chose reflects his connection to Vietnam. Xuan Son selected “Xuan” because it symbolizes luck and the hope that comes with spring. Coach Kim referred to Xuan Son as a new beginning for Vietnam’s national team, and the striker’s heartfelt journey from “Rafaelson” to “Xuan Son” embodies this transformation. The Brazilian-born striker has seamlessly integrated into the team and won the hearts of fans with his love for the red and yellow flag.
The 5-0 victory over Myanmar demonstrated what Vietnam can achieve with a versatile forward like Xuan Son. Coach Kim can now build a more dynamic and diverse tactical approach. Whether exploiting the wings with a powerful forward cutting in or launching counterattacks with a speedy “missile” capable of racing half the field to score, Xuan Son provides a wide array of options. In a controlled attacking setup, his ability to drop back, link up play, and create space for teammates adds another layer to Vietnam’s game. His adaptability has even led to lighthearted remarks within the team, suggesting that if all else fails, they should simply pass the ball to Xuan Son and let him create magic.
However, Coach Kim is cautious about over-relying on Xuan Son. Football is a team sport, and a single star cannot carry an entire system, especially against stronger opponents like Singapore and potentially Thailand or the Philippines in the final. These teams boast well-organized defenses, unlike Myanmar, whose lack of cohesion was evident. Xuan Son’s impressive debut will likely make him a target for opposing defenders. To counter this, Vietnam must develop alternative attacking strategies. Fortunately, signs are encouraging: Quang Hai has regained his form, Tien Linh remains a consistent scorer, and young players like Vi Hao and Van Vi are making their mark with their enthusiasm.
The injury to Van Toan poses a challenge, as the absence of his speed and creativity impacts the team’s attacking plans. However, Vietnam’s diverse rotation strategies in the group stage have ensured the players remain physically ready despite playing four matches in 12 days. This depth provides Coach Kim with several tactical options for the upcoming semifinal against Singapore on December 26 and 29. Fans can expect surprises, whether it’s pairing Xuan Son with Tien Linh in a dual-striker setup or repositioning Quang Hai and Hai Long as wingers. Vietnam’s tactical arsenal remains robust, giving hope that the team can overcome any obstacles.
Nguyen Xuan Son’s debut is more than just a football story; it’s a tale of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to Vietnam. As the national team marches forward, they carry the hopes of millions, with Xuan Son leading the charge as a symbol of unity and inspiration. The road ahead may be challenging, but with players like Xuan Son, Vietnam’s football future looks brighter than ever.
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