From his hospital bed, striker Nguyen Xuan Son managed a radiant smile despite the agony of a severe injury, as the Vietnam national football team dedicated their AFF Cup 2024 championship victory to him.
Xuan Son was a standout player in the second leg of the final against Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium, playing with his trademark intensity. However, his night ended in tears as he suffered a severe leg injury while attempting a pass to a teammate. Despite losing their top scorer, the Vietnamese team displayed remarkable resilience, securing a 3-2 victory in Bangkok and a 5-3 aggregate win to claim their third AFF Cup title.
A Crushing Injury but an Unyielding Spirit
After being taken to the hospital, scans revealed that Xuan Son had suffered fractures to both bones in his right lower leg—a devastating injury that will require a lengthy recovery. The 1997-born striker faces an uphill battle to return to the field, but his joy for the team’s triumph overshadowed his personal pain.
Xuan Son’s smile lit up the hospital room as he celebrated the championship with his teammates from afar. His spirits were lifted further when Vietnam sealed the title with a late goal, igniting celebrations across the country. The victory was not just a testament to the team’s talent but also to their unity and determination to honor their injured star.
Honored by His Teammates
Though unable to attend the trophy ceremony, Xuan Son’s presence was deeply felt. His teammates, including Quang Hai and Duy Manh, accepted the tournament’s top awards on his behalf, carrying his number 12 jersey onto the podium. These gestures underscored how integral Xuan Son has become to the team, despite being a newcomer following his naturalization.
Xuan Son’s performances throughout the tournament had been phenomenal, earning him widespread recognition as the tournament’s best player and top scorer. However, the injury prevented him from personally receiving these accolades.
A Team and Nation Behind Him
Xuan Son’s injury highlighted the risks of the game, but the solidarity of his teammates and the support of Vietnamese fans provided hope for his recovery. The team’s decision to dedicate their victory to him reflects his importance to their success and their belief in his ability to return stronger.
As Xuan Son begins his journey toward recovery, he does so with the knowledge that he is surrounded by the unwavering support of his teammates, coaching staff, and fans. His contributions to Vietnam’s AFF Cup triumph will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the nation’s football history. Fans eagerly await the day when Xuan Son will once again don the national team jersey and inspire Vietnam with his remarkable skill and determination.
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