In a standout achievement at the Vietnamese Golden Ball 2024 gala held on the evening of February 26 in Ho Chi Minh City, Rafaelson—now known as Nguyen Xuan Son—was honored with the “Outstanding Foreign Player” award. This prestigious accolade was the result of a fierce competition between three top candidates: Alan Sebastio (Binh Dinh/Hanoi Police FC), Hendrio Araujo (Nam Dinh), and Rafaelson (Nguyen Xuan Son, Nam Dinh).
During the 2024–2025 V-League season, the Brazilian-born forward, who officially naturalized as a Vietnamese citizen in September 2024 and subsequently took on the name Nguyen Xuan Son, made an indelible mark by scoring an impressive 31 goals. His goal-scoring prowess not only propelled Nam Dinh to clinch the national championship but also set a new record in the league. His contributions on the field were instrumental in Nam Dinh’s success, as his dynamic play helped his team secure crucial victories.
Nguyen Xuan Son’s stellar performances earned him further recognition when he was called up to the Vietnam national team for the AFF Cup 2024. His inclusion added significant strength to the team’s attacking lineup, under the guidance of Coach Kim Sang-sik. With his arrival, the national team embarked on an unbeaten run spanning eight matches (seven wins and one draw). Notably, he featured from the match against Myanmar—the final group stage encounter—through the remaining five fixtures of the tournament, registering a total of seven goals and two assists. These efforts saw him being honored not only as the top scorer but also as the most outstanding player at the AFF Cup 2024.
However, amid these triumphs, unfortunate news emerged from the final leg of the tournament. On January 5, during the second leg of the final against Thailand, Nguyen Xuan Son suffered a severe injury. In a bid to save a crucial ball, he dove recklessly and sustained a serious fracture to his right leg. This injury is a major setback for both his club, Nam Dinh, and the national team, which had come to rely on his prolific goal-scoring ability.
Nguyen Xuan Son’s journey from a promising foreign striker to a naturalized Vietnamese hero is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His achievements on the domestic stage, combined with his outstanding contributions at the AFF Cup, have inspired many young players in Vietnam. Despite his current injury, the impact he has made during the season continues to resonate, and his recovery will be keenly watched by fans and teammates alike.
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