After recovering from a leg fracture, Nguyen Xuan Son returned to play in november 2025. He scored one penalty goal, helping Vietnam defeat Laos 2-0 in the final qualifiers for the Asian Cup 2027. He then netted 7 goals in three matches in the Southeast Asian Club Cup, but struggled to replicate this scoring form across three V-League matches and one National Cup game.

Xuan Son finally broke his goal drought tonight as Nam Dinh hosted Ninh Binh at home. In the 74th minute, center-back Dang Van Toi advanced on the right flank and delivered an unexpected cross to the far post. Xuan Son outmuscled Truong Tien Anh before heading the ball with a spin into the right corner, beating his close friend Dang Van Lam.

Nam Dinh forward Nguyen Xuan Son celebrates his 74th-minute goal in the 3-2 victory over Ninh Binh in round 14 of the V-League 2025-2026, at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 1/3. Photo: Quang Duong.

The Brazilian-born naturalized forward placed his index finger on his lips, then ran towards the technical area, shouting loudly to share his emotions with Nam Dinh members and the home fans. Coaches embraced Xuan Son, and in the Thien Truong Stadium stands, coach Kim Sang-sik smiled brightly.

Nguyen Xuan Son's goal greatly encouraged his teammates. They continued to press the visitors and found another breakthrough in the 82nd minute. From inside the penalty area, Nguyen Tuan Anh laid the ball off for Xuan Son to shoot with his left foot. The ball deflected off Patrick Marcelino's foot to the right, allowing Kevin Pham Ba to score with a diagonal shot and complete an emotional 3-2 comeback for the hosts.

This late-game surge helped Nam Dinh end a 10-match winless streak, while also handing Ninh Binh their three consecutive V-League defeat. The V-League newcomers could only blame themselves after a dream start at Thien Truong.

Starting Lineups:

Nam Dinh: Tran Nguyen Manh, Lucas Alves, Dang Van Toi, Tran Van Kien, To Van Vu, Van Vi, Tran Van Dat, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Caio Cesar, Xuan Son, Chadrac Akolo.

Ninh Binh: Dang Van Lam, Patrick Marcelino, Do Thanh Thinh, Le Ngoc Bao, Truong Tien Anh, Dung Quang Nho, Duc Chien, Hoang Duc, Le Van Thuan, Imoh Friday, Geovane Magno.

Hieu Luong