Southeast Asian fans are stirred up as the Vietnam national team gains a 'reinforcement' to face Malaysia

The fact that goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang, who is of Vietnamese descent, has officially obtained Vietnamese nationality is causing varied responses from fans across Southeast Asia.

According to the latest announcement from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the goalkeeper born in 1992 has completed all naturalization procedures, making him eligible to represent the Vietnam national team soon. Patrik Lê Giang’s naturalization was proposed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism after a comprehensive evaluation of his professional skills, international experience, and consistent performance in recent V-League seasons. This move also aligns with the open spirit of the 2025 Vietnamese Nationality Law, which facilitates easier repatriation of overseas Vietnamese to Vietnamese citizenship.

Right after the news of Patrik Lê Giang’s citizenship was announced, many Southeast Asian fans left lively comments. One Indonesian fan wrote: “Double standards from the Vietnamese. If Indonesia did the same, they would be criticized, but when Vietnam does it, everyone stays silent.”

Another opinion commented on Vietnam’s recent frequent goalkeeper changes: “Just because of 4 goals conceded at Bukit Jalil, Vietnam keeps changing goalkeepers constantly.”

Some fans even suggested: “Ajax (Netherlands) should sign Patrick Le Giang and promote Marteen Paes to backup goalkeeper. Jaros and Pasveer will leave Ajax at the end of the season.”

Alongside critical remarks, many regional fans acknowledged the situation. A Malaysian fan stated: “With players like Filip Nguyễn, Patrik Lê Giang, Xuân Sơn, and Đỗ Phi Long, Vietnam will be much stronger than before.”

Meanwhile, another opinion expressed concern: “Vietnam is building a very strong squad. Southeast Asian countries will find it difficult to compete.”

Patrik Lê Giang was born in 1992 in Slovakia to a Vietnamese father and Slovak mother. He moved to Vietnam to play starting January 2023, previously representing Ho Chi Minh City FC and currently serving as a key goalkeeper for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC in the V-League.

After three seasons, Patrik Lê Giang has proven his professional ability. According to Sofascore statistics, he ranks among the top three goalkeepers with the highest average ratings in the league and is second in average saves per match. In the 2023/24 season, he was voted the best goalkeeper in the V-League.

With his official Vietnamese citizenship, Patrik Lê Giang can be called up by coach Kim Sang Sik for the rematch against Malaysia on March 31. The addition of this overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper provides the Vietnam coaching staff with more quality options alongside Nguyễn Filip, Đặng Văn Lâm, Đình Triệu, and Trần Trung Kiên.