Vietnam could call up 8 naturalized players for crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia

By Hoang Nguyen February 10, 2026 | 05:00 am PT

Vietnam national team coach Kim Sang-sik can set an unprecedented milestone by calling up eight naturalized players for the high-stakes 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia this March.

Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son (number 12) celebrates after scoring for Vietnam in the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

The addition of dual-nationality players promises to significantly bolster the squad's quality and depth, particularly in defense.

Center-back Gustavo Sant'Ana has acquired Vietnamese citizenship under the name Do Phi Long. Standing at 1.95 m, the Brazil-born defender has extensive V. League experience with Viettel FC, SLNA and Thanh Hoa FC, and is set to join SHB Da Nang for the 2025-2026 season.

The midfield could also see a major upgrade with Hendrio Araujo, now known as Do Hoang Hen. The 31-year-old playmaker, who arrived in Vietnam in 2021, has established himself as a star at Binh Dinh FC thanks to his technique, tactical vision and lethal left foot.

In goal, the competition has increased with Patrik Le Giang officially becoming a Vietnamese citizen. Born in Slovakia in 1992 and trained in Europe, Giang has been a standout performer in the V.League since 2023 and currently anchors the defense for HCMC FC.

These new additions would join an established core of naturalized stars, including goalkeeper Filip Nguyen, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam and defender Jason Quang Vinh. In the attack, the team continues to put their trust in Brazilian-born striker Nguyen Xuan Son.

Speculation has also swirled around Brazilian striker Geovane Magno, who currently plays for Ninh Binh FC. Having competed in Vietnam since 2019, Magno has openly campaigned for citizenship to fulfill his dream of representing the Vietnam national team.

On Feb. 6, he posted a status update declaring he would "continue fighting for my dream," accompanied by Vietnamese and Brazilian flags. Teammates have already begun referring to him by his Vietnamese name, Tai Loc.

Coach Kim will face a tough challenge when his team host Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium on March 31, 2026. Following a crushing 0-4 defeat in the first leg, Vietnam currently trail their opponents by three points. To keep their qualification hopes alive, the team need not just a victory, but a big one to overturn the goal difference deficit.