Naturalized forward Nguyen Xuan Son has publicly shared his profound ambition: to help the Vietnam national football team make its debut at the World Cup. This dream was highlighted in an interview published on 30/7 by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), which chronicled Xuan Son's journey from Brazil to Vietnam, detailing his path from a serious leg fracture to his current goal of achieving major milestones with the national team.

Nguyen Xuan Son during the Vietnam national team's 7-0 victory over Timor Leste in Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand, on the evening of 24/7. *Duc Dong*

The 29-year-old forward expressed that he "not only found success in Vietnam, but also found a place to call home." "I dream of playing in the World Cup," Xuan Son stated, "I think about that goal often, because achieving this for Vietnam would be a special moment. I am working hard every day, hoping that in the future we can qualify for the World Cup. That would be incredibly special for everyone and for every player," he added.

Before setting sights on the World Cup, Xuan Son aims to help Vietnam defend its ASEAN Cup 2026 title. The Brazilian-born forward stressed that the team is competing for Vietnamese fans, acknowledging their high expectations for a championship victory.

Born in Pirapemas, Brazil, Xuan Son left his family at the age of 14 to pursue a football career. After playing in Brazil, Japan, and Denmark, he moved to Vietnam in 2019, embarking on a new chapter in his professional life.

In Vietnam, the forward played for Nam Dinh, Da Nang, and Binh Dinh clubs, before eventually returning to Nam Dinh. During his time, he won the V-League Golden Boot title two times and played a significant role in helping the Nam-based club secure the national championship. In 9/2024, after meeting residency requirements, Rafaelson naturalized as a Vietnamese citizen and adopted the name Nguyen Xuan Son. The forward revealed that adapting to Vietnamese life and culture has transformed his life.

"When I arrived in Vietnam, I made an effort to understand the culture and adapt to the country and its football. I've grown to love Vietnam more and more, as has my family. My two children were both born here, making this country very special to me," he shared. "I want to stay in Vietnam for the rest of my life. It's wonderful to receive such love from everyone."

Xuan Son debuted for the Vietnam national team at the ASEAN Cup 2024, immediately making an impact by scoring 7 goals, earning the Golden Boot and Best Player awards, and helping Vietnam secure its third Southeast Asian championship. However, in the second leg of the final against Thailand, he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg. "That was a very difficult period. When I broke my leg, I thought my career was over," the 29-year-old forward recalled.

After nearly 10 months of treatment and recovery, with support from his family, Nam Dinh Club, and the Vietnam Football Federation, Xuan Son returned to the field late last year. He scored 7 goals in the ASEAN Club Cup 2025-2026, co-leading the scoring charts and helping Nam Dinh reach the semifinals.

The AFF hailed this as an impressive comeback for a footballer after such a serious injury. Xuan Son credited the affection of Vietnamese fans as his greatest motivation during that challenging period. "I only thought about returning to the field," he added. "I feel very fortunate to have received so much support. The most important thing during that period was the love from the fans; feeling that love gave me the strength to overcome every recovery exercise."

Xuan Son's header went wide of the post in the 30th minute during a friendly match between Vietnam and Myanmar at Thai Nguyen Stadium on 18/7/2026. *Luong Hieu*

At the ASEAN Cup 2026, Xuan Son serves as one of Vietnam's vice-captains. He views this role as motivation to contribute more, believing that pressure will help him and his teammates maximize their abilities.

*Hoang An*