Why did Coach Kim Sang Sik propose naturalizing 3 Brazilian stars?

The Vietnam national team is set to add 3 Brazilian-born players through naturalization as recommended by Coach Kim Sang Sik, aiming to boost their strength before the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying rounds.

Vietnamese football is witnessing a new step in the strategy to elevate the national team as Coach Kim Sang Sik advocates adding foreign players who have long been associated with the V-League. Following the case of defender Gustavo Santos (SHB Da Nang) proposed for naturalization, the duo Janclesio and Geovane have also been put on the waiting list.

In this era of globalization, regional teams like Malaysia and Indonesia are actively reinforcing their squads with naturalized players, so Vietnam’s team certainly cannot remain passive. Clearly, when opponents have naturalized forwards with both strength and speed, Vietnam’s current defense cannot keep up.

Therefore, the option of Gustavo and Janclesio has been considered. These two are experienced defenders in the V-League and are expected to adapt quickly if called up to the Vietnam national team. A modern defender, combining both physical presence and good ball skills, is something the “Golden Dragons” still lack in high-level matches.

Meanwhile, Geovane will bring versatility, able to play as an attacking midfielder or central midfielder when needed. These Brazilian-origin players are also expected to quickly connect with Xuan Son, another naturalized player who has been very successful in the Vietnam team.

Janclesio, born in 1993 and standing 1.96m tall, is one of the most experienced defenders in the V-League. He has played for Viettel, Ha Tinh, SHB Da Nang, and Binh Duong (now Ho Chi Minh City). With his ideal physique, excellent aerial ability, and many years of experience playing in Vietnam, this Brazilian defender is expected to become a “steel shield” in the team’s backline.

On the other hand, Geovane Magno, born in 1994 and 1.87m tall, has been a familiar striker in the V-League since joining Saigon FC in 2019. After nearly 100 matches in the league, he has scored 32 goals and has played for major clubs like Hanoi FC, Hanoi Police, and Viettel Army. His speed, technique, and diverse finishing skills make Geovane one of the most effective foreign players in V-League history. The Brazilian striker himself has expressed his wish to naturalize to represent Vietnam as a gesture of gratitude for the more than five years he has spent here.

If Gustavo, Janclesio, and Geovane all succeed in naturalization, Coach Kim Sang Sik will gain valuable pieces for both defense and attack. This is seen as a reasonable solution given the increasingly fierce nature of modern football, where many regional teams like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have also successfully utilized naturalized players to enhance their strength. The proposal to naturalize foreign players who have long been attached to the V-League not only opens a new path for Vietnam but also continues the positive trend set by Xuan Son’s successful case.