Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC is set to receive a boost ahead of their upcoming match against Quang Nam FC, as their star player, Rafaelson, has acquired Vietnamese citizenship. The club is preparing the necessary documents to submit to the Vietnam Football Federation, allowing Rafaelson to play under his new Vietnamese name at the Thien Truong Stadium on Monday evening.
Expressing his joy at becoming a Vietnamese citizen, Rafaelson said, “I am thrilled that my dream of becoming a Vietnamese citizen has finally come true. I have a deep love for this country, and I am committed to giving my best on the football field.”
The journey of Rafaelson, born in 1997 in Pirapemas, Brazil, to becoming a Vietnamese citizen is quite remarkable. He first moved to Vietnam in 2020 to play for Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC, located in the northern province of Nam Dinh. His talent was quickly recognized, and he went on to play for other prominent clubs, including Da Nang FC and Binh Dinh FC, before returning to Nam Dinh for the 2023-24 season.
This V.League 1 season has been particularly outstanding for Rafaelson. He played a pivotal role in Thep Xanh Nam Dinh’s championship victory, claiming the titles of Best Player and Top Scorer with an impressive 31 goals in 24 matches. He also received recognition for scoring the Best Goal of the season.
Rafaelson’s dedication to Vietnam goes beyond the football field. Over the past year, he has consistently voiced his desire to obtain Vietnamese citizenship and represent the national team. With his newfound citizenship, he is now one step closer to fulfilling that dream.
The Brazilian-Born Striker: Seeking Vietnamese Citizenship to Represent the Golden Star Warriors.
Rafaelson, the prolific goal-scorer and star of the 2023-24 V.League 1 champions Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC, has set his sights on a new challenge: representing Vietnam on the international stage. On Thursday, the Brazilian striker submitted an application for Vietnamese citizenship, a testament to his commitment and desire to contribute to the nation’s footballing success. With his exceptional talent and dedication, Rafaelson aims to don the national team jersey and lead Vietnam to glory in future tournaments.
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