Xuân Son returns to play, and Malaysian media immediately take special notice.

Just five minutes on the pitch during the friendly between Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and PVF-CAND Youth, Nguyễn Xuân Son has truly worried Malaysian media.

Xuân Son returns, Malaysian media warn their home team

"Nguyen Xuan Son sudah kembali!" (Nguyễn Xuân Son is back!) was the short yet anxious headline from Stadium Astro about the comeback of the striker who dominated the 2024 AFF Cup, returning after nearly 10 months out due to a serious leg fracture. In the friendly against PVF-CAND Youth, Xuân Son played only about the last five minutes, but that was enough for the media to mention him.

"Born in Brazil, this player has become the "new legacy" of the Vietnam national team after obtaining Vietnamese citizenship in September 2024, quickly helping to strengthen the attack of the "Golden Dragon Warriors"", Stadium Astro used such flattering words to describe Xuân Son.

"Fans surely recall Rafaelson's determined declaration after Vietnam's 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in the Asian Cup qualifiers at Bukit Jalil last June. At that time, he sent a message affirming he would "help Vietnam avenge Malaysia" in the rematch next year's qualifiers.According to plans, Nguyễn Xuân Son is expected to return to the national team when Vietnam faces Malaysia in the final match of the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers next year", the newspaper warned its home team.