After 7 years in V.League, Brazilian center-back suddenly abandons dream of Vietnamese citizenship

Janclesio leaves V.League following a seven-year stint in Vietnam, casting the Brazilian center-back's naturalization plan into a highly uncertain tomorrow.

The news that Janclesio Almeida Santos is set to join PT Satun FC in Thailand represents a significant turning point in the Brazilian center-back's journey. After seven consecutive years in Vietnam, this new choice not only closes a long chapter in V.League but also throws the once highly anticipated Vietnamese citizenship plan into a state of uncertainty.

Leaving Vietnam to play abroad does not automatically mean Janclesio loses his right to apply for citizenship, but it could make that path considerably more complicated. According to current regulations, ordinary naturalization applicants must be residing in Vietnam and have a period of residence of at least five years, counted from the date of issuance of a permanent residence card. Cases that benefit the Vietnamese state may be exempted from some residency conditions, but require confirmation from competent authorities and evidence of the ability to make positive, long-term contributions.

Thus, the bottleneck is not just about the number of years Janclesio has played in V.League. He arrived in Vietnam in 2019, successively playing for The Cong Viettel, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, SHB Da Nang, Becamex Binh Duong, Ninh Binh FC, and then HAGL. However, the period of professional playing is not automatically considered equivalent to residency time under citizenship law.

In July 2025, Ninh Binh FC signed a three-year contract with Janclesio and publicly announced plans to support his naturalization, aiming for the possibility of contributing to the Vietnamese national team. The 1.96m tall center-back expressed at the time: “I have always considered Vietnam my second home. I am grateful for everything Vietnamese football has given me and wish to contribute more to Ninh Binh as well as the country's football, if I am given the opportunity.”

By March 2026, HAGL continued to push forward the naturalization procedures for Janclesio according to the player's wishes. This shows that the plan went further than a mere rumor. Therefore, his move to Thailand is a major turning point, weakening the practical foundation of his application and the narrative of long-term commitment to Vietnamese football.

At age 33, Janclesio could still return to V.League or continue pursuing Vietnamese citizenship if he meets the conditions. But with his career now taking a different direction, the most important question at this point is whether his previously expressed desire will be maintained, or if the trip to Thailand will become a silent end to the dream of wearing the red shirt.