There's an african american guy on the Vietnamese National team????
WTH?????
Son gained his Vietnamese citizenship and nationality. This change saw his name officially transition from Rafaelson to Nguyen Xuan Son, as he is now widely known. By November, FIFA approved his eligibility to play for the Vietnam national team at the 2024 AFF Cup.
His inclusion in the squad also makes him the first naturalized player to represent Vietnam’s national football team.
From a young prospect to a star striker for Vietnam, Son’s journey has undoubtedly been one for the books. Not only can he speak Vietnamese fluently now, but he can also confidently sing Vietnam’s national anthem
Tien Quan Ca (the Song of the Marching Troops).
“I’ve been thinking a lot about tomorrow’s game. I just want to get on the field and play. I’m very happy with the support I’ve received from fans, the coaching staff, and my teammates,” Son told the pre-match press conference.
“I’m confident I can sing the anthem well. I practice speaking Vietnamese every day, and with the help of others, communication has not been an issue,” he said.
After the match, Son shared his emotions: “I feel very happy. This is a special night for me, the players, and the fans. I will never forget this day in my life. Thank you to the fans, teammates, and coaches for supporting me. I will enjoy this night.”
He’s Brazilian