As the Vietnam national football team gears up for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the inclusion of a record number of naturalized players is generating both excitement and controversy. While some believe this will enhance the team's competitiveness, others express concerns about the potential dilution of national identity and the development of local talent.
According to reports from Vietnamese media, including VnExpress, the national team roster announced on June 15 includes 28 players. Among them are three naturalized players making their debut: Slovakian goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang, Brazilian forward Nguyen Thai Lok, and Australian-born midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa. With the addition of existing naturalized players Suan Sen and Hoang Hen, the team now features a total of five naturalized athletes.
The standout player is goalkeeper Le Giang, born in 1992. He has previously represented Slovakia at the U-19 and U-21 levels and joined the Vietnamese league in 2023. Recently, he won the National Cup with Ho Chi Minh City Police and is recognized for his height of 188 cm and stable performance, earning his first call-up to the national team.
Midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa, born in 2006, is also gaining attention. A product of the Perth Glory youth system, he made history as the first Vietnamese player to score in the A-League. After returning to the Vietnamese league earlier this year, he scored five goals while playing as an attacking midfielder and winger, which contributed to his selection by coach Kim Sang-sik.
Brazilian forward Nguyen Thai Lok entered the Vietnamese league in 2019 and has played for several clubs. He acquired Vietnamese nationality in April and completed the eligibility process to join the national team, joining Suan Sen and Hoang Hen as a new attacking option.
However, notable naturalized players such as goalkeeper Philip Nguyen and defender Cao Pendant Quang Bin are absent from the roster due to their commitments with Hanoi FC in the AFC Champions League. Additionally, last year's ASEAN Cup top scorer Nguyen Tien Linh has not made the list due to recent underperformance.
The inclusion of multiple naturalized players has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some have voiced concerns, stating, "It doesn't feel like Vietnamese football anymore," while others worry that an excess of naturalized players could blur the identity and pride of the national team. One fan remarked, "Even if we win, it won't feel the same as before," raising questions about team identity.
Conversely, there are also supporters of the naturalization policy. Fans argue, "If they have obtained Vietnamese nationality, they should be selected for the national team." Another fan noted, "Since Southeast Asian countries are all utilizing naturalized players, it is necessary for enhancing competitiveness." Some expressed optimism about the new attacking combinations, stating, "No Southeast Asian team will find it easy to defend against us."
The Vietnam national team will gather in Hanoi on June 22 and will conduct training in South Korea from July 2 to 14. Following a friendly match against Myanmar, the final roster will be confirmed. The 2026 ASEAN Cup is scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 8, with Vietnam placed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. The team's first match will be an away game against Timor-Leste on July 24.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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