American-Vietnamese center-back preparing to acquire Vietnamese citizenship

The Thể Công Viettel club is actively working to support Kyle Colona’s application for Vietnamese citizenship.

Kyle Colona is currently one of the best center-backs in the V-League, including foreign players. The Thể Công Viettel defender demonstrates strong defensive skills with impressive one-on-one duels, effective aerial ability thanks to his 1.90m height, and excellent positional awareness.

Kyle Colona’s ability to initiate attacks is also remarkable, boasting nearly a 90% pass accuracy rate. He represents the type of all-around center-back that the Vietnam national team has long lacked. The American-Vietnamese player has started all 7 matches for Thể Công Viettel this V-League season and would be a valuable addition to the national team if his citizenship process is completed.

It is known that Kyle Colona’s mother is of Vietnamese-Chinese descent and currently resides in Hanoi. Thể Công Viettel is also planning ways to support his Vietnamese citizenship application. In the near future, he could become a key figure in the Vietnam national team’s defense if he maintains his consistent performance.

Amid ongoing defensive weaknesses and a loss of stability in the Vietnam national team’s backline, Kyle Colonna has emerged as a promising candidate. The dual American-Vietnamese center-back, currently playing for Thể Công Viettel, is seen as a potential solution to restore solidity to the defense after a period of decline.

Kyle Colona began playing in Vietnam in the 2024/2025 season after leaving New Mexico United (USL Championship). Shortly after, he made a strong impression by appearing in 18 matches for Hanoi FC in the V.League and National Cup before transferring to Thể Công Viettel. At the military club, the 1.89m tall defender has become an indispensable pillar, significantly contributing to Viettel’s position among the league leaders.

During a time when the Vietnam national team needs significant renewal, giving opportunities to players with good form and modern thinking like Kyle Colona not only strengthens the defense but also opens positive development pathways, fostering healthy competition among positions. This Vietnamese-American center-back is thus regarded as a new hope for the national team’s defense in the near future.