The right person, at the right time, deserves to be loved!

A BURST OF EMOTION FOR SPRING ON

With his exceptional footballing ability, unique qualities, and physique compared to the majority of Vietnamese players, Nguyen Xuan Son became a highly anticipated addition to the ranks of the "Golden Star Warriors." His impressive debut in Vietnam's resounding 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the group stage of the 2024 AFF Cup, where he scored two goals and provided two assists, further fueled public excitement.

Nguyen Xuan Son demonstrated his all-around influence throughout the match at Viet Tri Stadium that day. The Vietnamese national team had never had a player of such caliber and versatility as Xuan Son, possessing excellent heading ability, superb finishing with both feet, good physical fitness, strength, speed, and exceptional tactical coordination and hold-up play. He proved he could fully meet expectations, solve the finishing problem, and improve the strength of the Vietnamese national team, especially considering the team's unconvincing performances under coach Kim Sang-sik.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Xuan Son with the Vietnamese national team.

Nguyen Xuan Son (12) is loved for his talent and deep affection for Vietnam.

However, talent is only part of the story. Let's hear what Nguyen Xuan Son said to the media: "Vietnam has given me everything."

When provoked by a Myanmar player on the field, he responded forcefully: “I love this country. I spent five years here with my family. Vietnam is my homeland, and I will give my all for the Vietnamese national team.” As a token of gratitude, he yearned to contribute to his second homeland. That is why he pursued his dream of wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey, fulfilling his duty, responsibility, and deserving of the basic rights of a full citizen of Vietnam.

Number 12 became a crucial link.

Living and working according to the habits of Vietnamese people, absorbing the local culinary culture, even taking his wife and children on a motorbike to navigate the traffic in Nam Dinh (Son is currently playing for the Nam Dinh team)... Thus, the "Vietnamese spirit" gradually permeated him and his small family. Therefore, it's no coincidence that many Vietnamese people were truly moved and felt the Vietnamese spirit when they witnessed "Son" singing the Vietnamese national anthem before the match against Myanmar.

Appearing at the right time when new resources were needed.

The Vietnamese people possess a strong national spirit, but this is not narrow-minded nationalism. In terms of cultural conduct, for generations, the Vietnamese have highly valued relationships, been harmonious, and easily integrated diverse elements, thus unifying them into a core character and identity that creates Vietnam's strength. Nguyen Xuan Son has naturally blended into this stream as a legitimate Vietnamese citizen, no longer a foreigner.

Xuan Son took his wife and children to buy banana cakes in Nam Dinh.

In the past, we were hesitant to accept naturalized players to represent the national football team, which requires an element of intrinsic identity. However, the general trend in world football is deep integration. Therefore, the issue of identity is viewed more openly through the flexible acceptance of external values, then blending them to create strength for oneself. Football cannot stand aside in this trend of Vietnam entering an era of national development, leveraging all resources and contributions to build a prosperous Vietnam in many fields.

Xuan Son and his teammates train in Singapore.

He wasn't the first to acquire Vietnamese citizenship, nor was he the only foreigner ever called up to the national team (after naturalization), but Nguyen Xuan Son appeared at a time when the Vietnamese national team desperately needed new resources to improve its strength and regain credibility with fans after a period of decline. This helps explain why Nguyen Xuan Son has become such a hot and beloved name so quickly in recent days.

Watch the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 live and in its entirety on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguyen-xuan-son-dung-nguoi-dung-luc-nen-duoc-yeu-18524122321164321.htm