Hanoi – This morning, at the Hanoi Department of Justice headquarters, a solemn ceremony took place to present the Presidential decision granting Vietnamese citizenship to footballer Cao Pendant Quang Vinh.
The event, steeped in formality, began with the singing of the national anthem, stirring deep emotions among attendees. For Quang Vinh, a French-born talent of Vietnamese descent, the moment marked a historic milestone as he officially became a Vietnamese citizen, igniting a wave of pride and purpose.
Addressing the gathering, Quang Vinh’s voice trembled with emotion: “Today is a defining day in my life—the day I officially become a Vietnamese citizen. My heart is overflowing with joy and pride. I was born in France, but the Vietnamese blood in my veins has always driven me to contribute to the nation’s football.” The 27-year-old left-back, formerly known as Jason Pendant in France’s Ligue 2 with Quevilly-Rouen Métropole, expressed profound gratitude to those who made this possible. “I thank the President, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the Hanoi Department of Justice, and the Ho Chi Minh City Police for their trust and support in completing my citizenship process,” he said.
For Quang Vinh, this isn’t just an honor—it’s a commitment. “This is both a privilege and a responsibility,” he declared. “I’ll pour all my talent and passion into serving the national colors. Every goal, every pass will carry the pride of this nation.” His journey to citizenship began years ago, fueled by a desire to reconnect with his heritage after a career in Europe, including stints with Sochaux and the New York Red Bulls. The VFF, recognizing his potential to bolster Vietnam’s defense—especially at left-back—fast-tracked his naturalization following the 2024 ASEAN Cup triumph.
The ceremony underscored Vietnam’s growing embrace of overseas talent, following players like Dang Van Lam and Filip Nguyen. Quang Vinh’s eligibility now positions him for a potential debut in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Malaysia or Nepal, under Coach Kim Sang-sik. “He’s ready to make an impact,” a VFF source noted. As the anthem faded, Quang Vinh stood tall, a new citizen with a promise to honor his roots on the pitch, blending French finesse with Vietnamese spirit.
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