After receiving Vietnamese citizenship in September 2024, Nguyen Xuan Son was immediately called up by coach Kim Sang-sik for the tournament.
However, FIFA regulations only allowed him to play after Dec. 20, missing matches against Laos, Indonesia and the Philippines. During this time, the Brazilian-born striker admitted feeling impatient as he watched his teammates compete.
Son's debut was in the group stage's final match against Myanmar on Dec. 21 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province. Before kickoff, the 27-year-old striker sang the national anthem of Vietnam with his hand over his heart.
It didn't take long for Son to make his mark. He set up Bui Vi Hao's opening goal in the 48th minute and followed it up with a brace of his own, one with a slick right-footed flick and another with a powerful strike after eliminating two defenders.
Son's ability to integrate into the team quickly was evident, as he willingly gave up penalties to teammate Nguyen Tien Linh (number 22) and complemented Vietnam's attacking style with his strength, movement and individual brilliance, with five-year experience of playing in the V. League.
Son concluded his debut with two goals and two assists, helping Vietnam to a commanding 5-0 victory and earning the trust of coach Kim. After that, he even said in excitement that Son helped Vietnamese football return.
Son connects well with the supporters. After each match, he often runs along the stands to high-five and share joy with fans, who also have a lot of affection for him. Many people write poems and parodies of songs to praise the naturalized striker of Vietnam.
In the semifinals against Singapore, Son continued to shine. He earned a penalty in the first leg, converted by Tien Linh and scored to seal a 2-0 victory.
In the second leg, Son continued to be Singapore’s nightmare. His brace including a penalty he earned and converted helped Vietnam secure a 3-1 win and advance to the final. With this performance, he took the lead in the race for the top scorer with five goals in just three games, making him the most efficient scorer in the history of the tournament.
Playing Thailand in the first leg of the final at Viet Tri Stadium, Son once again created the difference.
He scored a header in the 59th minute and capitalized on a defensive mistake by Chalermsak Aukkee to score an amazing solo goal, leading Vietnam to a 2-1 victory.
Before the match, Aukkee made a statement dismissing Son but later had to taste the bitter fruit. Son's two goals helped Vietnam gain an advantage before the second leg in Bangkok.
Son's wife Marcele Seippel and their two children were present throughout the tournament to support him.
However, the second leg of the final at Rajamangala Stadium on Jan. 5 marked a tragic turn for Son.
In the 32nd minute, while attempting a pass, he suffered a severe leg injury and had to be stretchered off the field. The injury, a fracture in his right fibula and tibia, ended his campaign prematurely.
Son’s injury left the fans with great sadness, although Vietnam overcame adversity to secure a 3-2 victory, winning the championship 5-3 on aggregate.
Coach Kim Sang-sik presented Son with his medal and the championship trophy at the airport as the team returned to Vietnam on Jan. 6. Son expressed his pride in the team's achievement and vowed to return stronger. He also affirmed that he has fought and committed to the national team like a true Vietnamese.
With seven goals, Son was named the top scorer and the MVP of the tournament.
Currently, Son is undergoing treatment in Hanoi. Initially, there were plans to send him abroad for surgery, but the Vietnam Football Federation and Nam Dinh FC opted for local treatment to avoid delaying his recovery. Son’s rehabilitation is expected to take four to six months, with both parties pledging to provide the best conditions for his return.
Son's story at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, marked by brilliance and adversity, has captured the hearts of fans and solidified his place as a star in Vietnamese football.
Seven goals of Nguyen Xuan Son at the 2024 ASEAN Cup
