Striker Rafaelson, the first player to score more than 30 goals in a V. League season, has completed his naturalization to become a Vietnamese citizen.
Rafaelson (R) celebrates the opening goal for Nam Dinh against Lee Man in AFC Champions League Two on Sept. 18, 2024. Photo by Read/Lam Thoa |
Rafaelson was officially recognized as a Vietnamese citizen on Friday. His Vietnamese name is Nguyen Xuan Son. He is eligible to play in the V. League as a naturalized player when his Nam Dinh FC host Quang Nam FC on Monday.
“I’m very happy today. My dream of becoming a Vietnamese citizen has come true. I love this country and will do my best on the field,” Rafaelson said.
Rafaelson was born in 1997 in Brazil. He started playing in Vietnam in early 2020 for Nam Dinh, then moving to SHB Da Nang and Binh Dinh before returning to Nam Dinh.
In the 2023-2024 season, Rafaelson peaked, making history by scoring the most goals in a V. League season with 31. He helped Nam Dinh win the V. League, while he won the golden boot and was included in the squad of the season.
Previously, Rafaelson expressed that he considered Vietnam as his second home. He had brought his wife and children to Nam Dinh and was actively learning Vietnamese.
Many foreign players have been naturalized after several years playing in Vietnam. Notable names include Fabio dos Santos (Phan Van Santos, Brazil), Kesley Alves (Huynh Kesley, Brazil), Samson Kayode Olaleye (Hoang Vu Samson, Nigeria), and Gaston Merlo (Do Melo, Argentina).
According to sources, coach Kim Sang-sik may consider calling Rafaelson to the national team after he becomes a Vietnamese citizen. No naturalized foreign player without Vietnamese blood has been summoned to play for the national team in official tournaments in the country’s football history.
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