Do Hoang Hen: 'I want to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey and play against Malaysia alongside Xuan Son'

Speaking to Thanh Nien Newspaper during the warm Tet holiday in Hanoi, Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio Araujo) affirmed that he is always waiting for the opportunity to be called up by coach Kim Sang-sik to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey, so that he can stand alongside his close teammates to prepare for new ambitions.

The Lunar New Year of 2026 (Year of the Horse) will be a special one for Do Hoang Hen, as it will be the first time he and his family celebrate the new year as Vietnamese citizens. Hoang Hen obtained Vietnamese citizenship in October, after living and playing in the V-League for five years.

In an interview with Thanh Nien Newspaper , the Brazilian-born player shared his feelings for Vietnam, his journey of immersing himself in the culture, and his desire to contribute to the S-shaped land that has welcomed him with open arms and which he considers his second home.

Do Hoang Hen (left) quickly integrated into Hanoi FC.

PHOTO: FBNV

'I am Do Hoang Hen'

Looking back to the day you first arrived in Vietnam, up to today, have you ever thought this place would become your second home?

Do Hoang Hen: I was happy from the very first moment I set foot in Vietnam, which sounds a bit strange, right? However, I was warmly welcomed (at Binh Dinh Club). After 5 years, I am enjoying my life here. Everything has been wonderful, fitting perfectly from the beginning until now.

- Vietnamese football is unfamiliar territory to many players, located half a world away from Brazil. Why did you choose to come here?

Born in Brazil, I moved to Spain when I was 10 years old. While playing in Spain, I was always curious about Asian football, about how they play and their philosophy. I've had offers to leave Spain and play elsewhere, but except for short trips to Portugal and Georgia, I've always chosen to stay and pursue my career here.

Then, fate led me to receive an invitation to play football in Vietnam. My curiosity about Asian football was piqued, and I asked myself, "Why not?" I decided to go without hesitation. To this day, I have no regrets about that decision.

- After 5 years, what are the differences between today's Hoang Hen and the Hendrio of back then? How have you seen yourself change?

Five years is a long time. The living environment in Vietnam has created a very different version of Hoang Hen, as I have improved and progressed every day, both on and off the field.

I have become more and more optimized and constantly improving. For me, today I must be better than yesterday, and tomorrow I must be better than today. I have learned so much in Vietnam, from its culture to the friendly and harmonious hearts of its people.

In football, I've improved my ability to read the game, enhanced my tactical thinking, and approached matches from a deeper, more comprehensive perspective.

Do Hoang Hen is happy in his new jersey.

PHOTO: FBNV

- When did you first have the intention to become a citizen?

Of course, I'm happy with life in Vietnam, but I never thought I'd stay here this long. After my second season in the V-League, I wanted to stay long-term. I see myself improving day by day, hour by hour.

I played better, read the game more quickly. When I joined Nam Dinh , I believed this was a great place to spend my whole career, so why not? The intention to play long-term and become a Vietnamese citizen was sparked back then. Now the time has come.

- How has Hanoi FC supported you?

Hanoi FC has helped me a lot, both on and off the field. Before I signed the contract, the team's leadership understood what I wanted and provided for it. I longed to have citizenship and become a Vietnamese citizen. I made the request, and Hanoi FC handled the naturalization process from the very beginning. They did everything efficiently and meticulously, and ultimately succeeded.

The final period in Nam Dinh and the beginning in Hanoi (8 months without playing - PV) were really difficult. As a player, I want to play. Being sidelined was hard to accept. However, I've learned a lot. I know I have to train hard for myself, maintain good physical condition, and always be ready because I will have the opportunity once I become a Vietnamese citizen. I train harder, more diligently.

Hanoi FC provided me with all the necessary conditions to maintain my fitness. Finally, after 8 months, I was able to play. Everything is fine; it's the result of our collective efforts.

- What does the name Do Hoang Hen mean?

That's a special name for me. I chose the surname "Do" as a thank you to Chairman Do Vinh Quang of Hanoi FC, who has helped me a lot. The chairman was very happy that I chose the same surname as him. Therefore, we chose the surname together.

And "Hen" means luck, representing what I hope to achieve on my new journey. It's a beautiful name that I've always kept for myself.

"Xuan Son and I have a special bond."

- To date, the 2023-2024 season, when he teamed up with Xuan Son to lead Nam Dinh to the V-League championship, remains the pinnacle of Hen's career. What are your most memorable impressions of that season?

I will never forget this season. Nam Dinh FC had never won the V-League before. The team understood the aspirations of the fans and the people here, so they invested heavily to achieve their dream. The whole team worked very hard, creating an explosive season.

Xuan Son and I have a very special bond. On the field, we don't need to speak; a glance is enough to understand what to do. Who makes runs to draw defenders away, who passes, or who sets up the other for a shot – Son and I understand each other perfectly.

Hoang Hen was close friends with Xuan Son when they played for Nam Dinh Club.

PHOTO: FBNV

From the very first day we wore the same jersey, Son and I spoke the same "football language" and found harmony. Off the pitch, Son and I are also very close. We cherish every moment we spent as teammates. Although we are no longer on the same team, I always follow his progress and wish him and his family the best of luck.

I chose to leave because, to reach the top, I always need to be in a state of eagerness to conquer new achievements. I have won the V-League twice with Nam Dinh and want to take on a new challenge at Hanoi FC.

- After 5 years of playing in Vietnam, what is your assessment of the V-League?

Before coming here, I didn't know much about Vietnamese football, nor could I imagine how fiercely competitive the V-League would be. After five years, I believe the quality of the league has improved, getting better every day in terms of both technical and tactical aspects, as well as the way matches are conducted. The V-League is gradually getting better. Some stadiums have also been upgraded, which is good for Vietnamese football. I'm curious to see how far the V-League will go.

- Why did you choose to play for Hanoi FC?

For me, Hanoi FC is the most prestigious team in Vietnam. However, they have gone three years without a title. The team is going through a difficult time, but I decided to come here because I believe Hanoi is still strong and ambitious to win.

I'm also very hungry for victory, so I think this is an interesting challenge. Hanoi FC has always shown a strong desire to have me, which is very important. I'm here to bring Hanoi FC back to where they rightfully belong, which is the pinnacle of Vietnamese football.

Do Hoang Hen is eager to contribute to the Vietnamese national team.

PHOTO: FBNV

'Harry Kewell is a champion'

- How would you rate your experience working with Harry Kewell?

Harry Kewell is a champion. His presence here is essential to me. Kewell was a great player, a "museum" full of footballing experience. Now that he's a coach, I believe Kewell is still very good.

I always listen to and absorb all of Kewell's information and guidance. Every day on the field, whether in training or matches, I always try to learn everything I can from Kewell. Both he and I strive every day to revive Hanoi FC. As a player, I have a responsibility to do everything I can to support Kewell.

- Kewell is a renowned player who once played for Liverpool, and he's also a type of attacking player who pursues beautiful football. Perhaps that's the common ground that makes the two of them compatible?

Harry Kewell is of a very high caliber. He's an Australian football legend, a World Cup winner, and a Champions League champion with Liverpool. A legend like that always has a deep vision and understanding of football. Kewell gave us advice because he was also a player, living the full life of football like us. He's very experienced, able to analyze matches and understand what players should do. Thanks to Kewell, Hanoi FC and I personally have benefited greatly.

- Having obtained Vietnamese citizenship at the age of 31 and being able to make your first appearance for the national team at 32, do you think it's too late?

Probably not. I still feel good about my body and stamina. I still enjoy football every day, giving 100% on the pitch in every game. My career is still very long.

I've said I'm reaching my best form since I started playing football, with a better understanding of the game. Everything is going very well. Although the future is unpredictable, I'm confident and appreciate the present moment.

'I will easily adapt to the Vietnamese national team.'

- How does it feel to become a Vietnamese citizen and have the opportunity to wear the national team jersey? Are you nervous?

For me, it's a dream come true. I'm honored to have the opportunity to repay the love and support I've received since I came to Vietnam. I've felt like this is my home from the very beginning, truly. Wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey will feel very special. I've always looked forward to this opportunity.

Do Hoang Hen is happy with her life partner.

PHOTO: FBNV

I study Vietnamese three times a week. I have good listening comprehension and can sing the Vietnamese national anthem. I communicate quite well and can even answer interview questions in Vietnamese.

- Watching the Vietnamese national team play, do you believe you fit in with coach Kim Sang-sik's philosophy?

I've been following the Vietnamese national team's matches. Coach Kim always demands that his players play with passion and dedication. The Vietnamese team must be a unified collective, emphasizing teamwork. He wants the team to be highly competitive, constantly evolving, and striving for victory. The positive results of the Vietnamese national team speak volumes about Coach Kim Sang-sik's capabilities.

He understands football very well and reads the game well. I am confident that I fit in with Coach Kim's style and can fully meet the coaching staff's requirements.

I enjoy challenges, pressure, and playing in competitive matches to improve. I will train hard and wait for my opportunity. If I play against Malaysia, it will be a crucial moment. I have to prepare thoroughly.

- Would it be a really exciting feeling to meet Xuan Son again, along with a host of teammates from Hanoi FC, if I were called up to the national team?

I will adapt easily because I know my teammates well. I will be reunited with Xuan Son, who I played with for four seasons at Nam Dinh Club. I understand Xuan Son's playing style and we already have good chemistry. Hanoi players like Duy Manh, Hai Long, and Tuan Hai also play for the national team, which is an advantage for me.

Although I haven't been with them for long, I've faced them many times in the V-League and understand their playing style. They will help me integrate quickly if I'm called up to the national team. We all share the same goal: to help our team win.

- The journey from a foreigner to a Vietnamese citizen wasn't easy. How did you adapt to Vietnam's climate, cuisine , and culture?

I didn't have much difficulty adapting to life in Vietnam. From the very first day, I felt like home here, like Brazil where I was born, or like Spain where I played early in my career. I was happy that people welcomed me with open arms, a foreigner who was still quite unfamiliar with everything. I liked the family atmosphere and I felt that warmth. Of course, Vietnamese culture also has similarities with Brazilian culture, so I integrated more quickly. And now, I enjoy every moment of being a true Vietnamese citizen, living fully with the culture and people here.

- Xuan Son likes fried banana fritters, does Hoang Hen have a signature dish?

I really like many dishes, such as egg sandwiches, vegetarian pho, and vegetarian vermicelli. The food in Vietnam is truly amazing. I'm a vegetarian, and the vegetarian dishes here are really delicious.

- This is the first year Hoang Hen is celebrating Tet as a Vietnamese citizen. Do you have any plans for Tet?

For the past three years, I've made it a habit to decorate my house for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). I invite friends over, arrange flowers, and decorate my living space to start the new year with energy. I'll be bringing my mother to Vietnam to enjoy Tet with her. My mother has been to Vietnam twice before; she loves the country, but this is the first time she's had the chance to return. I also want to bring my wife and family to celebrate the beginning of the year with excitement.

- What does Hoang Hen wish for in the new year?

I had a tough 2025 without regular playing time. But after all that, 2025 ended beautifully for me. I returned to playing, scored goals, and then obtained Vietnamese citizenship.

2026 will bring me a new beginning. I hope it will be a happy year. My first wish is to win the V-League championship with Hanoi FC. After that, I want to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey. That's my biggest aspiration.

Finally, I wish everyone happiness, and I wish for Vietnam to always be peaceful and prosperous.

Thank you for the conversation!  

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/do-hoang-hen-toi-muon-khoac-ao-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-cung-xuan-son-dau-malaysia-185260213200720173.htm