Hanoi, 30 September, 2025 – Every step in the naturalization process for players joining the Vietnam national team is being carried out carefully and thoroughly by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), ensuring full compliance with FIFA’s strict regulations.
Naturalizing players has become a global football trend, embraced by many countries in Asia and Southeast Asia. From powerhouses like Japan and the UAE to regional rivals such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Laos, the Philippines, and Singapore, all have followed this path. Vietnam, too, has made selective moves in recent years, welcoming two overseas Vietnamese – goalkeeper Nguyen Filip and defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh – along with one naturalized foreigner, Nguyen Xuan Son.
Looking ahead, head coach Kim Sang Sik and VFF are expected to continue considering overseas Vietnamese and outstanding foreign players for naturalization. However, the federation has emphasized that this will only be done in moderation.
Back in June, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan admitted he felt “grey-haired” with concern after Vietnam’s 0-4 defeat to Malaysia – a side later accused by FIFA of fielding players with falsified documents. That defeat forced Vietnam to face a strategic choice: follow Malaysia and Indonesia in mass naturalization for short-term results, or pursue selective naturalization while prioritizing domestic talent.
Vietnam has chosen the sustainable path. The door to the national team remains open to overseas Vietnamese and foreign-born players, but only if they are truly exceptional and surpass local players in quality. Even then, only a limited number will be included in each squad. Importantly, every naturalization case must undergo strict vetting and adhere to FIFA’s standards.
FIFA requires naturalized players to reside and play continuously in their adopted country for five years, as seen in the case of Xuan Son, and potentially Hendrio (Hanoi FC) and Gustavo Sant Ana (Da Nang). For players of dual heritage, they must have a parent or grandparent born in the country they represent – the issue that led to Malaysia’s scandal involving Hector Hevel, Facundo Garces, and Joao Figueiredo, who were found to have no verified ancestral links to Malaysia.
Vietnam has faced no such problems thanks to its rigorous approach. For instance, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, whose father is French and mother is Vietnamese, underwent a lengthy process to verify his documents and maternal citizenship before receiving Vietnamese nationality. Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip also followed the proper pathway, ensuring legitimacy.
Currently, several names are in line for naturalization, including Gustavo Sant Ana and Hendrio, while overseas Vietnamese players such as Adou Minh, Kevin Pham Ba, and Kyle Colonna await the completion of procedures.
Following Malaysia’s controversy, VFF has doubled down on its cautious strategy. While fans and coaches alike are eager to see new stars bolster the national team, the federation insists that every process must be “clean, transparent, and indisputable.” Only then will players be able to proudly and rightfully wear the Vietnam jersey without any doubts about their eligibility.
Hai Ha- Thuy Duong
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