Hanoi, 24 November 2025 – Hanoi FC have unexpectedly terminated the contract of Brazilian midfielder Willian Maranhao after an underwhelming start to the 2025/2026 V.League 1 campaign, leaving the club searching for a new defensive midfielder for the remainder of the season.
Hanoi FC have confirmed the departure of defensive midfielder Willian Maranhao following the conclusion of the opening phase of the 2025/2026 V.League 1 season. The decision came as a surprise to many supporters, as the Brazilian midfielder had been signed at the beginning of the season with high expectations of strengthening the club’s defensive structure in midfield.
Despite being valued at approximately 900,000 euros (over 27 billion VND), Maranhao was unable to make a meaningful impact during his time at Hang Day Stadium. The 29-year-old featured in 10 V.League 1 matches, accumulating 694 minutes of play, but his performances did not meet the standards the club had hoped for when bringing him to Vietnam. The lack of influence in ball recovery, transitional play and overall midfield control ultimately led Hanoi FC to move on from the player sooner than anticipated.
His departure now forces Hanoi FC to reassess their midfield options, particularly the need for a strong defensive midfielder capable of sharing the workload with Dau Van Toan. Strengthening this position will be crucial for the club as they look to stabilise their performances and push higher in the standings during the second phase of the season.
At present, Hanoi FC sit seventh on the LP Bank V.League 1 2025/2026 table with 15 points. After more than two months of league interruption, the capital club will resume their campaign on January 31, 2026, when they host Song Lam Nghe An at Hang Day Stadium in Round 12.
The upcoming period is expected to be important for Hanoi FC as they restructure their squad and aim to regain momentum in the race for the top positions.
VSN collaborator writer
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