Xuan Son and the 'reward' from Coach Kim Sang Sik

The trust placed in him by Coach Kim Sang Sik and his teammates to serve as vice-captain of the Vietnam national team marks not just a special milestone in Nguyen Xuan Son's career, but also a fitting acknowledgment of his contributions, influence, and wholehearted commitment as a 29-year-old forward.

Xuan Son's first inclusion in the leadership group of the Vietnam national team as vice-captain at the 2026 ASEAN Cup carries more significance than a routine personnel decision. It represents trust, a collective voice endorsing a player capable of leading through expertise, spirit, and character.

In less than two years since officially becoming eligible to wear the Vietnam national team jersey, Xuan Son has become one of the most influential players. His success with Nam Dinh at the club level, along with his explosive performance at the 2024 ASEAN Cup where he won both the Golden Boot and Best Player awards, has made him a new icon on the national team.

Even the serious injury he sustained in the second leg of the final against Thailand could not overshadow the image of a striker willing to sacrifice everything for the national colors.

The 2025/26 season continues to witness Xuan Son's consistency upon his return. The striker born in 1997 has scored 18 goals in 22 matches for club and country, although his goal-scoring record in the V-League is lower than in previous years (6 goals in 13 matches). In the ASEAN Club Championship, the 1997-born forward reaffirmed his class with 7 goals, sharing the Golden Boot award.

More importantly, Xuan Son's influence extends beyond goals. The presence of the Nam Dinh striker makes the Vietnam national team much more versatile.

It can be said that at this moment, Xuan Son remains nearly irreplaceable in Coach Kim Sang Sik's tactical system. But if he were only skilled in his expertise, it is not certain that his teammates would have elected him to the leadership group.

What earns him respect is also his spirit of integration, professional attitude, and desire to contribute. Son's fitness training sessions have gone viral and could serve as an inspiring model for the community.

In the first training session after being entrusted with the vice-captain role, Xuan Son did not talk about power or pressure. What he mentioned was happiness, responsibility, and the desire to continue helping the team win the championship.

"I want to score, but if I win the Golden Boot while the team doesn't win the championship, it doesn't mean much." This sums up Son's spirit, putting the team above all else. Xuan Son being given the vice-captain role also reflects how Coach Kim Sang Sik builds the team. The South Korean coach chooses those capable of inspiring and creating a positive influence within the squad.

Therefore, when Duy Manh was injured, the captain's armband was given to Nguyen Quang Hai, while the two vice-captains were Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Xuan Son. This sends a very clear message that every player has the opportunity to become a leader if they have enough ability and dedication.

Notably, being in the leadership group does not automatically guarantee a starting spot. Coach Kim Sang Sik maintains fair competition in every position. Today you may be captain or vice-captain, but tomorrow you could be on the bench if your form does not meet requirements.

That is the professional environment that Vietnamese football is aiming for. At 29, Xuan Son still has many years of top-level play ahead. For a modern center-forward, this is still the peak period in terms of experience, composure, and ability to influence. Son's progressive spirit, professionalism, and winning desire also serve as a role model for young players to learn from.

Vietnamese football has witnessed many successful foreign players in the V-League, but not everyone has created the special affection like Xuan Son. He chose to commit, patiently waited for the opportunity to wear the national team jersey, contributed with all his ability, and quickly became an idol for many people.