Naturalized Brazilian player says something special about Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên

Nguyễn Tài Lộc revealed that Nguyễn Xuân Son and Đỗ Hoàng Hên helped him feel confident and integrate quickly during his first time joining the Vietnam national team.

For the first time being called up to the Vietnam national team, Nguyễn Tài Lộc could not hide his happiness as he officially donned the red jersey. Alongside that special emotion, the Brazilian-born striker also disclosed that his two teammates Nguyễn Xuân Son and Đỗ Hoàng Hên helped him become much more confident in the early days of joining coach Kim Sang Sik's squad.

Before the afternoon training session on June 25 at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, the striker from Ninh Binh Club stated that being part of the national team was the most memorable milestone of his career. "This is a special moment in my life, so I am extremely happy. Right now, I am just focusing on each day to give my best effort." Tài Lộc also affirmed that he would strive in every training session to prove his ability and contribute as much as possible to the team.

One of the reasons helping the 31-year-old striker integrate quickly was the united atmosphere in the team, along with having previously played with many teammates in the V.League. He assessed that the team environment is very open, making it easy for new players to adapt and quickly catch up with the coaching staff's professional requirements.

Notably, when asked about those who supported him the most during his first time joining the squad, Tài Lộc mentioned Nguyễn Xuân Son and Đỗ Hoàng Hên. "I have known Son and Hên for a long time. We often talked with each other about the national team, so everything became easier. We will train and fight together to help the team achieve the best results." This sharing shows the bond between naturalized players as well as their determination to contribute while wearing the Vietnam national team jersey.

Not only receiving encouragement from teammates, Nguyễn Tài Lộc also said his family was very happy to witness this special milestone. The striker born in 1994 affirmed that Vietnam has become his second home, and he will always strive to repay the affection that the fans and the country of Vietnam have given him.

After many years playing in the V.League for Sài Gòn FC, Hà Nội FC, Thể Công, Công An Hà Nội, Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, and currently Ninh Bình, Nguyễn Tài Lộc has officially become a Vietnamese citizen and was given the opportunity by coach Kim Sang Sik to join the national team. With a height of 1.88 m, extensive experience, and versatile attacking ability, the 31-year-old striker is expected to become a quality attacking option for the Vietnam national team in the ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign.