Vietnamese French expatriate players speak sincerely upon returning to compete in their homeland

SLNA officially acquires Phi Long Karim Tran, the French-Vietnamese footballer proud to play in his father's homeland in the V-League.

During the V-League 2025/26 break, Sông Lam Nghệ An made a notable addition to their attacking line by officially signing Phi Long Karim Tran – a French-Vietnamese player born in 2004. This move aims to deepen the squad and also opens opportunities for a young talent with Vietnamese heritage to return and compete in his ancestral land.

On the afternoon of January 29, Phi Long Karim Tran had his first training session wearing SLNA's traditional yellow jersey. Under the direct supervision of coach Văn Sỹ Sơn, the 2004-born newcomer underwent comprehensive tests on fitness, speed, jumping ability, and fundamental skills. His quick adaptation and serious training attitude left a positive impression on the Nghệ An coaching staff.

Sharing on the day he officially joined SLNA, Phi Long expressed his joy: “I feel very good in Nghệ An. My arrival here went smoothly, and I am truly happy to join such an ambitious club like SLNA.”For him, this is not just a professional contract but also a significant milestone in his career.

Wearing the jersey of a Vietnamese club brings special emotions to Phi Long Karim Tran, as it represents a journey back to his roots: “This is a great opportunity and a source of pride for me. My father is Vietnamese, as are my grandparents. I believe they will be very happy to see me here, playing in Vietnam and in the V-League. My strengths are technique, speed, and finishing ability. I am confident I can contribute significantly to the attack by scoring and assisting.”.

Standing 1.76m tall, right-footed, Phi Long Karim Tran can effectively play as a winger, especially on the left flank. His potential debut against Hanoi FC in round 12 of the 2025/26 V-League is seen as a major challenge but also excites the 21-year-old player: “I really want to play in this match. Hanoi FC is a strong team, currently second in the standings, and surely the Vinh stadium will be packed with fans. I hope to have a good debut, show my abilities, and maybe even score.”

Before coming to Vietnam, Phi Long Karim Tran proactively researched about the Nghệ An club and the domestic football environment. The 2004-born player affirmed: “I feel very happy and proud to join Sông Lam Nghệ An. This club has a long history and tradition in Vietnamese football… I am proud to carry Vietnamese blood. Playing in Vietnam is not only a career opportunity but also holds great emotional significance for me.”