Brazil, 6 July, 2025 – During his official visit to Brazil for the BRICS Expanded Summit and bilateral activities, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the Brazilian government and Vasco da Gama Football Club to support Vietnam in football development and expressed hope that Vietnamese players would have the opportunity to play professionally in Brazil.
On July 5, PM Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse visited Vasco da Gama Football Club in Rio de Janeiro. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Tran Quoc Tuan.
During the visit, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Mr. Luis Fernandes, Brazil’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and member of Vasco da Gama’s Advisory Board, who guided the delegation through the club’s museum and the iconic Estádio São Januário – home to the club and one of Brazil’s historic stadiums with a capacity of 25,000.
In a gesture of friendship, PM Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse were gifted a Vasco da Gama jersey, and in return, presented the club with a Hanoi Police FC jersey – one of Vietnam’s prominent football clubs.
Founded in 1898, Vasco da Gama has a rich history, starting as a rowing club and later developing into a multi-sport institution, most notably in football. The club has won 65 titles, including four Brazilian championships, one national cup, more than 20 Carioca state titles, and major international honors such as the Copa Libertadores and the South American Club Championship. It has been home to legends like Roberto Dinamite, Edmundo, Romário, Juninho Pernambucano, and Bebeto.
PM Pham Minh Chinh expressed admiration for the club’s legacy, its achievements, and its influential role in Brazilian culture and global football. He emphasized that Vasco da Gama is not only beloved by Brazilian President Lula da Silva but also a cherished symbol in Rio de Janeiro and globally.
The Vietnamese leader highlighted Vasco da Gama’s values of inclusivity and equality, noting its strong stance against racism and its philosophy that football is for everyone – a vision closely aligned with Vietnam’s cultural ethos of solidarity, effort, passion, and fair competition.
“Brazil’s football philosophy of attacking, dedication, and enjoyment deeply resonates with Vietnamese culture,” the Prime Minister said, adding that many Brazilian players have contributed to the success of Vietnamese clubs, including championship-winning campaigns.
He also emphasized that football holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and praised Brazil’s renowned “Samba-style” football. He affirmed that cultural and sports cooperation, particularly in high-performance sports like football, between Vietnam and Brazil holds immense potential.
PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed that the Brazilian side and Vasco da Gama enhance collaboration with Vietnam in areas such as coaching, youth player development, improving physical fitness and technical skills, management capacity, brand development, resource mobilization, match organization, and continued player exchanges.
“I hope Brazil can support us in sending Vietnamese players to play in Brazil and help elevate our football scene,” PM Chinh concluded, affirming Vietnam’s desire to learn and grow from one of the world’s most successful football nations.
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