Southeast Asian fans collectively congratulate Vietnam on gaining another naturalized player

Hendrio Araujo da Silva - the Brazilian-origin midfielder of Hanoi FC, has officially become a Vietnamese citizen and taken the name Đỗ Hoàng Hên, attracting attention both within Vietnam and throughout the Southeast Asian football community.

Hanoi FC officially confirmed that midfielder Hendrio Araujo da Silva has completed the Vietnamese naturalization process and will compete under the name Đỗ Hoàng Hên. Joining Hanoi FC before the 2025-2026 season, Hoàng Hên received full support from the club during his naturalization journey, alongside his dedicated efforts to learn Vietnamese and adapt culturally over nearly two years.

According to FIFA regulations, Hoàng Hên will be eligible to represent the Vietnam national team starting January 2026, promising to be a key tactical option for coach Kim Sang-sik in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This news quickly spread throughout Southeast Asia, with numerous fans from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines sending congratulations and praising the Brazilian-born player’s spirit of integration and dedication to Vietnamese football.

An Indonesian fan wrote: “Don’t judge him because he doesn’t have Vietnamese blood. He has lived in Vietnam, speaks Vietnamese, and fights for Vietnamese football. Such a player deserves to wear the national team jersey.”

Thai supporters commented: “Vietnam’s team looks very different now. If Hoàng Hên and Xuân Son play together, they will be the most feared strike duo in the region. Malaysia should brace themselves.”

On Malaysian football forums, many fans expressed caution: “We used to beat Vietnam with physicality, but now they have a naturalized Brazilian player combined with Xuân Son in peak form. The return match in March 2026 will definitely be tough.”

A Philippine fan left an impressive comment: “Vietnam is moving closer to Asian standards. They don’t just have talented players but also those who truly love the country they play for. That’s why we respect them.”

The Vietnamese fan community is also full of excitement. “The Hoàng Hên - Xuân Son duo is unstoppable: one with refined technique, the other with speed and decisiveness. Vietnam’s team will attack more beautifully than ever,” commented one user.

Many regional supporters agree that Vietnam is on the right path by choosing selective naturalization based on actual contribution rather than just chasing results. “No fake documents, no deception, just 5 years of effort and true integration. That’s the real value of football,” wrote a fan.

Hendrio’s transition to Đỗ Hoàng Hên not only strengthens Hanoi FC but also opens a new chapter for the Vietnam national team. With his creative playing style and strong connection skills, he is expected to become the “perfect partner” for Nguyễn Xuân Son - who shone brightly at the AFF Cup 2024.

If everything goes as planned, the Hoàng Hên - Xuân Son duo could become the dream attacking pair of the “Golden Star Warriors.”

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