Hanoi, 10 August 2026 – The Cong Viettel have continued their ambitious recruitment drive by signing Vietnamese-Australian goalkeeper Lawrence Caruso, adding another promising overseas Vietnamese talent to their squad ahead of the new season.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 2004, Caruso stands 1.84m tall and developed his game through Australia’s competitive youth football system. He spent time with several academies and clubs, including Whittlesea Ranges, Melbourne City, and Dandenong City, before attracting attention at senior level.
One of the biggest milestones of Caruso’s early career came when he made his A-League debut for Central Coast Mariners at just 17, highlighting his potential at a remarkably young age.
Before moving to Vietnam, Caruso continued gaining valuable experience in Australia’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) system, while also spending time with Western Sydney Wanderers and Green Gully SC.
Years of competing in the fast-paced and physically demanding Australian football environment have helped the young goalkeeper develop composure beyond his age. Caruso is regarded as a modern sweeper-keeper, comfortable stepping away from his goal line and becoming involved in his team’s build-up play. His ability with the ball at his feet is considered one of his biggest strengths, particularly his distribution with either foot and calmness when pressed by opposing attackers.
For Caruso, joining The Cong Viettel also carries personal significance as he looks to establish his career in Vietnam.
“Returning to Vietnam to play football has always been a big dream for me and my family. I hope to produce my best performances, and hopefully one day I will have the opportunity to be called up to the Vietnam national team.”
The Cong Viettel have increasingly looked toward overseas Vietnamese players to strengthen their squad. Last season, the club recruited Kyle Colonna and Damian Vu Thanh An. American-Vietnamese center-back Colonna quickly established himself as an important member of the defense, contributing to Velizar Popov’s side finishing runners-up in the V.League and securing third place in the National Cup.
Lucas Alves Adds Experience to Viettel Defense
Caruso is not the only notable addition, with The Cong Viettel also bringing in experienced Brazilian center-back Lucas Alves, who previously represented Nam Dinh.
Born in 1992 and standing an imposing 1.93m, Alves offers significant physical presence at the heart of the defense. His strength in one-on-one duels and dominance in the air make him a valuable addition to Popov’s squad.
The Brazilian began his career in his homeland and progressed to the senior setup at Corinthians before building an extensive career abroad. He later enjoyed a lengthy spell with FC Luzern, making close to 100 appearances in the Swiss top flight.
Alves’ career has also taken him across several footballing countries, with spells in Germany, Portugal, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Romania adding to his international experience.
Vietnamese football fans are already familiar with his qualities following his successful stint at Nam Dinh. During the 2024/25 season, Alves emerged as an influential figure in the club’s back line and played an important role in helping the team capture the V.League championship.
The experienced defender expressed his excitement after completing the move.
“Joining Viettel is a fantastic step forward in my career. I have always had great respect for the team’s playing style and the never-give-up mentality of the players here.”
With Caruso and Alves joining other notable recruits including former V.League top scorer Rimario Gordon, Trieu Viet Hung, and Doan Ngoc Tan, The Cong Viettel are assembling a squad with considerable depth and experience.
The reinforcements underline the club’s ambitions for a demanding campaign ahead, with Popov’s side preparing to compete on three fronts: the V.League, Vietnam National Cup, and AFC Champions League Two.
VSN/RPT
Leave a Reply