Hanoi, 27 June 2026 – Ahead of Vietnam’s morning training session on June 27 at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre, striker Nguyen Xuan Son spoke to the media after being appointed one of the team’s vice-captains for the ongoing training camp ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup.
The Brazilian-born forward admitted he was deeply honored to take on the leadership role for the first time with the national team.
“When I played for youth teams in Brazil, I served as captain. But this is the first time I’ve been trusted with a place in the Vietnam national team’s leadership group. Honestly, I’m very happy,” Xuan Son said.
The 1997-born striker stressed that he does not see the added responsibility as pressure, but rather as motivation to contribute even more to the team.
“I’m used to dealing with pressure. Being part of the leadership group of the Vietnam national team is a privilege. It’s something very special, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team succeed,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Xuan Son emphasized that team success will always come before individual achievements. Although he hopes to score goals and compete for the tournament’s Golden Boot award, lifting the championship trophy remains his ultimate objective.
“I always want to score and become the top scorer. But if I win the Golden Boot and the team doesn’t become champions, it won’t mean much. The most important thing is winning the title. I want to help Vietnam successfully defend our championship,” he said.
Having recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, Xuan Son revealed that he is gradually regaining full fitness.
“I’ve just come back from a serious injury, so I still need some time to reach my best form. Physically, I’m feeling very good. I’ll do my best to score goals, provide assists, and fulfill everything the coaching staff asks of me.”
The newly appointed vice-captain also expressed his support for injured captain Do Duy Manh, hoping his teammate can make a speedy recovery.
“I hope Duy Manh returns soon. He’s a very important player for the national team and also a close friend of mine. I know he’ll continue working hard to get back on the pitch with us,” Xuan Son said.
Xuan Son also welcomed new overseas Vietnamese midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa, describing him as a talented player with plenty of potential.
“Dang Khoa is a quality player with many good attributes. I hope he’ll contribute a lot to the national team, and I’ll do my best to help him settle into the squad as quickly as possible.”
Speaking about newly naturalized player Nguyen Tai Loc, Xuan Son believes his teammate has fully earned his first national team call-up after years of impressive performances in the V.League.
“Tai Loc has worked very hard to reach this point. He’s been playing in Vietnam for many years and deserves this opportunity. We’ll help him adapt quickly so he can contribute to the team.”
Despite the growing competition among Vietnam’s attacking players, Xuan Son said he fully respects every decision made by head coach Kim Sang Sik.
“We have many quality players in the squad. My job is to play, score goals, and help the team. Team selection is the head coach’s responsibility.”
Vietnam will continue training in Hanoi until July 1 before departing for a training camp in South Korea from July 2 to July 14. During the overseas camp, Kim Sang Sik’s side will play three friendly matches as they fine-tune tactics, assess player performances, and finalize preparations for their ASEAN Cup title defense.
Pan Lee
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