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Nguyen Xuan Son celebrates a goal during the Vietnam’s 7-0 victory over Timor Leste in Group A of the ASEAN Cup, at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand on July 24, 2026. Photo by Read/Duc Dong |
In an interview published by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) on Thursday, the 29-year-old forward discussed his journey, his recovery from a devastating injury, and his profound connection to Vietnam.
“My dream is to go to the World Cup,” Son said. “I think about it many times because, if I can do that for this country, it would be one of the most special moments in Vietnamese football. It is also a dream for my family. I am working hard, and I hope we can go to the World Cup in the future because that would be very special for everyone and for every player.”
Before focusing on the global stage, Son acknowledges that the immediate goal is helping Vietnam defend their title at the 2026 ASEAN Cup. He emphasized that the team are driven by fans’ expectations.
“It is a new year and the team is also different. I just want to give my best for the team, and I think all the players feel the same,” he added. “We are fighting for this trophy for the Vietnamese people. The people want this trophy very much.”
Son’s international debut at the 2024 ASEAN Cup was both historic and heartbreaking. He claimed the Golden Boot (with seven goals) and the Best Player award, leading Vietnam to their third title.
However, during the second leg of the final against Thailand, he suffered a severe fracture in his right leg.
“That period was very difficult. When I broke my leg, I thought my career had stopped,” Son recalled.
It took him 10 grueling months of rehabilitation, supported by his club Nam Dinh FC and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), before he could return to the pitch late last year. He credited the unwavering support of the Vietnamese fans for getting him through the tough time.
“I think the love of the people was the most important thing during that period. When you feel that love, it gives you the strength to push through all the exercises you need to complete,” he said.
His return to form was spectacular. He finished as the joint top-scorer in the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship, netting seven times and helping Nam Dinh reach the semifinals.
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Nguyen Xuan Son (L)’s header went wide of the post in the friendly match between Vietnam and Myanmar at Thai Nguyen Stadium on July 18, 2026. Photo by Read/Luong Hieu |
Born in Pirapemas, Brazil, Son, real name Rafaelson, left home at 14 to join a youth football academy. His journey took him through Japan and Denmark before arriving in Vietnam.
He established himself in the V. League, playing for Nam Dinh, SHB Da Nang, and Quy Nhon United FC. During this time, he became a two-time top scorer in the league and was instrumental in securing the domestic title for Nam Dinh.
In 2024, after meeting residency requirements, he obtained Vietnamese citizenship.
“When I came to Vietnam, I tried to understand the culture and adapt to the country and to Vietnamese football. I have grown to love Vietnam and my family also love it,” he shared. “My two children were born in Vietnam and this country is very special to me. I want to stay here for the rest of my life. It is amazing to have the love of the people.”
Son has been named one of Vietnam’s vice-captains for the 2026 ASEAN Cup. He welcomes the responsibility.
“It motivates me to give my best and to show the other players and the coaching staff what I can do,” he said. “When you have a responsibility like this, you need to give more. I think the pressure is good because, when you have pressure, you can give more to the coach during training sessions and in games.”