Hendrio, a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, arrived in Vietnam in late 2020. He signed with Binh Dinh on 12/1/2021 and quickly became one of the league's top attacking players. He joined Nam Dinh in January 2023. Over three seasons at Thien Truong Stadium, he played 63 matches, scoring 19 goals and providing 21 assists, contributing significantly to their V-League 2023-2024 championship victory.

Hanoi FC had previously pursued Hendrio when he was about to leave Binh Dinh, but their efforts were unsuccessful. When they learned he was no longer in Nam Dinh's plans at the end of the 2024-2025 season, they again expressed interest but were rebuffed.

Hendrio (right) during a Hanoi FC training session at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 13/6/2025. Photo: Hanoi FC

Hendrio (right) during a Hanoi FC training session at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 13/6/2025. Photo: Hanoi FC

Two months after leaving Nam Dinh, Hendrio signed with Hanoi FC through the 2027-2028 season, when he will be 34. This marks Hanoi FC's first acquisition for the 2025-2026 season. If his naturalization is successful by the end of the year, the club will be able to register him as a Vietnamese player of foreign origin, allowing them to sign four foreign players.

Hendrio must wait until December 2025 to fulfill the State's 5-year residency requirement for naturalization. This also aligns with FIFA's eligibility rules for players without Vietnamese heritage, like Nguyen Xuan Son, to represent the Vietnamese national team.

"I know this isn't easy. Everyone who can has been helping," Hendrio said before training on July 10. "I hope for a positive outcome soon and am eagerly awaiting Vietnamese citizenship."

Hendrio's Vietnamese is improving daily. "I have Vietnamese lessons and interact with locals, so it's gradually getting better. I think my Vietnamese is better now than when I was in Nam Dinh," the 1994-born player said.

Fluent in Vietnamese, Portuguese, and English, Hendrio has become an informal translator for his compatriot, Daniel Passira, who only speaks Portuguese.

Hendrio (white shirt) challenges Nguyen Van Quyet during Hanoi FC's 2-3 loss to Nam Dinh in round 11 of the 2023-2024 V-League at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh. Photo: Lam Thoa

Hendrio (white shirt) challenges Nguyen Van Quyet during Hanoi FC's 2-3 loss to Nam Dinh in round 11 of the 2023-2024 V-League at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh. Photo: Lam Thoa

When the 2025-2026 V-League kicks off, the 31-year-old midfielder will have been out of action for five months. He shortened his break to begin training early with the team. His fellow Brazilian, fitness coach Bruno Inarra, did the same to ensure Hendrio is fully prepared for the new season.

Hendrio has integrated well with Hanoi FC, already familiar with players like Nguyen Van Quyet, Thanh Chung, Do Duy Manh, and Pham Tuan Hai. His wide range of movement, similar to captain Van Quyet's, has raised concerns about potential overlap.

"Van Quyet is quite versatile, like many other players on the team. I really like this style," Hendrio said. "I can also play multiple positions, which could be an advantage for Hanoi in the new season."

Hendrio is Hanoi FC's first signing ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Photo: Hanoi FC

Hendrio is Hanoi FC's first signing ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Photo: Hanoi FC

Hanoi FC haven't won a title since the 2022 National Super Cup, despite consistently finishing in the V-League's top three for the past three seasons and reaching the 2023-2024 National Cup final. Hendrio provides coach Makoto Teguramori's side with another attacking option. Meanwhile, their main rivals, Nam Dinh and Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN), will be competing on four fronts: the V-League, National Cup, AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, and Southeast Asian Club Cup.

Having played in the ACL Two with Nam Dinh last season, Hendrio acknowledges the physical demands of frequent matches and travel. However, he doesn't see this as an advantage for Hanoi FC. "We need to focus on how to win, rather than thinking our opponents playing in multiple competitions is an advantage," he stated.

The 2025-2026 V-League will see an increase in the foreign player quota from three to four per team. Nam Dinh and CAHN can register seven due to their international commitments. The league is yet to decide whether all four foreign players can be on the field simultaneously or if the format will be three players plus one substitute.

Hendrio believes this change is positive for competition but requires agreement from all teams. "Domestic players will have to work harder to compete for positions, but we need to maintain balance in the league," the Brazilian midfielder explained. "Some teams have the financial resources, but others don't. We need to find common ground if we want the V-League to be stable and develop."

Hieu Luong