Nguyen Xuan Son is still recovering from a broken leg sustained in the second leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final. This injury sidelined him during Vietnam's final round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where the team suffered a surprising 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in their second Group F match on 10/6. Following the match, Son posted "31/3/2026" on his Instagram – the date of Vietnam's return match against Malaysia.
"I posted that date because I want to be back for the rematch against Malaysia," the Nam Dinh striker stated on 22/6, after the V-League trophy ceremony at Thien Truong Stadium.
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Nguyen Xuan Son lifts the 2024-2025 V-League trophy after Nam Dinh's 1-0 victory over Ha Tinh in round 26 at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh on 22/6/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong |
Nguyen Xuan Son lifts the 2024-2025 V-League trophy after Nam Dinh's 1-0 victory over Ha Tinh in round 26 at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh on 22/6/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong
Son described the 0-4 loss as unacceptable for both the Vietnamese team and fans. "Winning and losing are part of the game. But like everyone else, I'm disappointed and saddened by that match. I'm eager to return stronger and help the team," the 28-year-old striker added.
Following surgery earlier this year, Son continues his rehabilitation under the guidance of doctors and therapists. "I don't know when I'll be able to play again, but I'm working hard for a speedy recovery," he emphasized.
In the 2023-2024 V-League season, Son scored 31 goals, playing a key role in Nam Dinh's first-ever V-League title. He also won the Golden Boot and the Most Valuable Player award. In the 2024-2025 season, he scored 7 goals in the first 7 rounds before being sidelined by injury.
Son's absence contributed to Nam Dinh's challenges in 2025. However, the Thien Truong-based team overcame these difficulties to successfully defend their V-League title, thanks to an impressive late-season run. They won their final 7 matches, including a 3-0 victory over rivals Hanoi FC at Hang Day Stadium, securing the title a round early.
"Unlike the first time, this championship feels special. I don't know how to describe it, but defending the title is significant for the team and me. I'm proud to be part of this team," Son shared.
According to the Brazilian-born striker, winning the 2024-2025 V-League title is a well-deserved reward for the hard work and dedication of the entire Nam Dinh team. "We faced many difficult moments. But no one on the team was afraid or wanted to give up. We always entered each match with the highest fighting spirit and a united mindset, like a family. That's the key to Nam Dinh's success," he explained.
Son joined Nam Dinh in 2020. After one season, he moved to Da Nang and then Binh Dinh. After the 2023 V-League season, he returned to Nam Dinh and is contracted with the team until 2031.
The 28-year-old has scored 75 goals in 100 matches across the V-League, National Cup, and National Super Cup. He holds the record for most goals in a single V-League season with 31 (2023-2024), surpassing Le Huynh Duc's 25 goals in 1996 – when the league was still known as the All Vietnam Football Championship.
Nguyen Xuan Son, whose birth name is Rafaelson, was born in 1997 and obtained Vietnamese citizenship in 9/2024. He became the first naturalized player without Vietnamese heritage to be called up to the national team since 2009. He played a crucial role in Vietnam's 2024 ASEAN Cup victory, scoring 7 goals to win the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards.
Son is expected to resume training in September and return to competition in early 2026.
Hieu Luong
