Brazil-born naturalized midfielder speaks frankly about joining the Vietnam national team

Missed the Vietnam national team call-up in November, but Hoang Hen is prepared to join if Coach Kim Sang Sik requires.

Do Hoang Hen is the most notable name in the key match between Nam Dinh and Hanoi in the 11th round of the V-League. The newly naturalized Vietnamese midfielder is in good form, scoring 3 goals in his first 4 matches for Hanoi FC. This game was also significant as it marked Do Hoang Hen’s first encounter with his former club Nam Dinh.

Although highly anticipated, Hoang Hen played rather quietly without much impact in Hanoi’s 1-1 draw against Nam Dinh due to tight marking. After the match, the Brazil-born naturalized midfielder responded in Vietnamese to the hot topic of his chances of playing for the Vietnam national team:

"Not now, but whenever I am called and Coach Kim Sang Sik wants me, I am always ready. Son was very happy when I got Vietnamese citizenship; Son got his earlier, but I had to wait a long time. Now that I have citizenship, Son is very pleased. Returning to Thien Truong Stadium this time made me very happy; Nam Dinh fans remain supportive and numerous."

Initially, there were reports that the Brazil-born midfielder Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio) might be called up to the Vietnam national team camp, although he was not yet eligible to play officially in the match against Laos. This was intended to help him get familiar with teammates and Coach Kim Sang Sik. However, in the end, Do Hoang Hen’s name did not appear on the current call-up list.

Do Hoang Hen officially acquired Vietnamese citizenship on October 17. The fact that Coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnam Football Federation requested assistance with his naturalization clearly shows their intention to have him serve the team in the future. Nevertheless, Hoang Hen still needs to continue proving his abilities.

Notably, this gathering marks the return of naturalized striker Xuan Son. He was officially called up to the Vietnam national team after being sidelined for 10 months due to injury and reportedly recovered faster than expected. Unfortunately, the duo of Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen will not reunite in this training camp.

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