Overseas Vietnamese Adou Minh: 'I'm nervous about joining the Vietnam national team'

French-Vietnamese player Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh has expressed his full commitment, acknowledging the rare opportunity to play for the Vietnam national team.

Born in France in 1997 to a Vietnamese mother, Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh developed his football career in France, spending 9 seasons in the 4th and 5th divisions. His path to the Vietnam national team began in 2024 when the V-League introduced a special slot for overseas Vietnamese players without citizenship. Ha Tinh recruited Adou Minh, where he quickly became a key player. A year later, he moved to Cong an Ha Noi (CAHN), solidifying his position under coach Mano Polking.

Adou Minh officially received Vietnamese citizenship on 21/8. Following the completion of his transfer from the French Football Federation to Vietnam, coach Kim Sang-sik called him up for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 squad. "After waking up, I received many messages from family and friends, then I called my parents," Adou Minh stated. "My mother isn't very interested in football, but she was very proud and happy because it was the Vietnam national team."

French-Vietnamese Nguyen Adou Legley Minh being interviewed before training with the Vietnam national team at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center (VYS) in Ha Noi on 22/9. Photo: Hieu Luong

The 29-year-old central defender joined the national squad alongside several teammates from CAHN: Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Le Van Do, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and Le Pham Thanh Long. While daily life with the team feels new, Adou Minh finds adapting to the professional aspects of the game straightforward.

"I was nervous being with the team this morning, but I'm settled now. I'm getting to know the team, coaching staff, and my teammates," Adou Minh added. "Playing football is not an issue. I could play today. It's a rare opportunity to wear a national team jersey, so I will give my all and contribute everything."

French-Vietnamese Nguyen Adou Legley Minh (right) training with the Vietnam national team at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center (VYS) in Ha Noi on 22/9. Photo: Hieu Luong

The French-born player is one of Vietnam's eight defenders preparing for the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The initial squad included Nguyen Thanh Chung, but the Ha Noi FC central defender withdrew due to overload. The team also learned today that captain Nguyen Quang Hai would withdraw due to an ankle injury. Adou Minh expressed sadness about not playing alongside the team's "iconic player." However, he acknowledged that injuries are part of football and the team's duty is to adapt to all circumstances.

The team will travel to Indonesia tomorrow morning, 22/9. They will have three days to adapt before their opening Group B, First Division match against the Philippines on 26/9, followed by Thailand on 29/9, and Pakistan on 2/10.

Adou Minh is aware that Thailand and Vietnam are considered fierce rivals in Southeast Asia. He watched their 2-2 draw in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final on 26/8. "The upcoming match against Thailand will certainly be difficult," Minh noted. "But we are aiming for three points against every opponent. Maintaining focus for every match is paramount."