Star striker Nguyen Xuan Son and other naturalized footballers cast ballots in Vietnam’s national election
Naturalized footballers joined millions of voters across Vietnam on Sunday to cast ballots for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026-2031 term.
Brazilian-born Do Hoang Hen voted at polling station No. 22 in Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi, at around 7 a.m., saying he was excited to vote for the first time as a Vietnamese citizen.
“I feel comfortable and receive enthusiastic support from everyone. I understand the importance of this responsibility,” he said.
Vietnamese-Brazilian naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen casts his vote in the 16th National Assembly and People’s Council elections for the 2026-2031 term at polling station 22 in Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi, on March 15, 2026. Photo by Hanoi FC |
Born Hendrio Araujo da Silva in Brazil, Hen joined Binh Dinh in January 2021 and later moved to Nam Dinh before signing with Hanoi FC, where he is under contract until the end of the 2027-2028 season.
He obtained Vietnamese citizenship on Oct. 17, 2025 after meeting the five-year residency requirement. The attacking midfielder is currently Hanoi FC’s top scorer in the 2025–2026 V-League season with six goals and four assists.
Striker Nguyen Xuan Son, whose Brazilian name is Rafaelson, also voted in Ninh Binh Province on Sunday afternoon.
The 1997-born player received Vietnamese citizenship in September 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the V-League’s top forwards. He scored a record 31 goals in the 2023-2024 season and netted seven goals to finish as the top scorer at the ASEAN Cup 2024, where Vietnam won the title.
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Vietnamese-Brazilian naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son casts his ballot for Vietnam’s National Assembly and People’s Councils election in Nam Dinh Ward, Ninh Binh Province, on March 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of Nam Dinh FC |
Three other naturalized players, Da Nang FC’s Brazilian-born center-back Do Phi Long, PVF-CAND’s Nigerian-born striker Hoang Vu Samson, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City’ midfielder Tran Trung Hieu from Uganda.
Long voted for the first time, while Samson and Trung Hieu became Vietnamese citizens in 2013 and 2017 respectively.
Several overseas Vietnamese players who recently obtained citizenship also voted for the first time, including goalkeeper Nguyen Filip of Czech descent, defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh (France), Le Giang Patrik (Slovakia), Le Viktor (Russia), Tran Thanh Trung (Bulgaria), and Nguyen Vadim (Russia).
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Brazilian-born naturalized defender Do Phi Long casts his ballot in Vietnam’s National Assembly and People’s Councils election in Hoa Khanh Ward, Da Nang, on the morning of March 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of Da Nang FC |
After voting in Van Giang Ward in Hung Yen Province, Filip said he felt proud to participate in the process.
“I hope the elected representatives will stay close to the people,” the 1992-born goalkeeper said.
About 79 million voters nationwide are eligible to elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly as well as representatives to provincial and commune-level People’s Councils. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Election Council, results are expected to be announced on March 24 after vote counting is completed. The first session of the 16th National Assembly is scheduled to open on April 6.
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