Southeast Asian fans react when Vietnam team naturalizes players

(Dan Tri) - After the Vietnamese national team successfully naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son (foreign name Rafaelson), many Southeast Asian fans had mixed reactions.

Recently, FIFA has agreed to let naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son play in the AFF Cup 2024, starting from December 20. The appearance of the Brazilian-born player promises to add significant strength to the Vietnamese team.

CĐV Đông Nam Á phản ứng khi tuyển Việt Nam nhập tịch cầu thủ - 1 — Southeast Asian fans have mixed reactions to Nguyen Xuan Son wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey (Photo: Lam Anh).

In recent seasons, Nguyen Xuan Son has been the best striker in the V-League. Last season, he contributed greatly to helping Nam Dinh FC win the championship. This season, Nguyen Xuan Son continued to shine, scoring 9 goals in 10 matches for the Thanh Nam FC.

After the Vietnamese national team successfully naturalized the striker born in 1997, many Southeast Asian fans had mixed reactions.

Indonesian fan Bastian Triste wrote: "Get ready, the young Indonesian defenders will have to face this powerful striker."

An account named Han Yuno spoke out against it: "I think there is no problem using players of foreign origin, as long as they have a connection to that country.

Don't feel ashamed, as long as you don't give citizenship to players for free. Japan did that when they started the football revolution and rose to the top."

CĐV Đông Nam Á phản ứng khi tuyển Việt Nam nhập tịch cầu thủ - 2 — Nguyen Xuan Son's successful naturalization is a controversial topic on Southeast Asian social networks (Photo: ASEAN Football).

A fan named Yana Heryana also gave her perspective: "Each country has a different approach to the issue of naturalization. It is impossible to criticize when each football country also has different regulations and development strategies.

Using naturalized players, regardless of their origin, opens up opportunities for football teams. Everyone has the right to be proud of their origin. I wish the Vietnamese team good luck and that Southeast Asian football continues to grow stronger."

Pencit Ijo fan protested: "He has to live in Vietnam for 5 years because he is a Brazilian immigrant. This player has no Vietnamese blood."

Jamie Egbert wrote: "Wishing the Vietnamese team continued growth. My best wishes from Indonesia."

Currently, the Vietnamese team is training in Korea. After returning, the team will be supplemented with players from Nam Dinh (busy participating in the Asian Cup C2). Nguyen Xuan Son is likely to be called up by coach Kim Sang Sik to participate in the AFF Cup 2024.