Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes delivered a stunning debut for the Vietnam men’s national football team during their match against Myanmar on the evening of December 21. His performance is yet another testament to the fact that Vietnam is indeed a fertile ground for nurturing and showcasing talent.

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With two goals, two assists, and a performance that could only be described as outstanding, Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes – now known by his distinctly Vietnamese name, Nguyen Xuan Son – completely dominated the Myanmar players.

Sports commentators and professional analysts alike were unanimous in awarding Son a perfect 10 for his debut performance. It is being hailed as the most remarkable debut in the history of Vietnam’s men’s national football team.

Son’s stellar display has also drawn international media attention, particularly in Brazil, his homeland, where football is practically a religion.

The 27-year-old player began his journey in Vietnamese football in 2020, initially playing for Nam Dinh FC (now known as Thep Xanh Nam Dinh) for two years. He then moved on to SHB Da Nang and Binh Dinh FC for the next two seasons.

In 2023, Son returned to Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC, marking a turning point in his career. During the 2023-2024 season, Son played a pivotal role in Nam Dinh’s journey to winning their first-ever V-League championship.

That same season, he claimed the V-League Golden Boot by scoring 31 goals, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single Vietnamese national league season.

The previous record was owned by Vietnamese legendary striker Le Huynh Duc, who scored 25 goals back in 1996 – a record that had stood for nearly three decades.

In the 2024-2025 season, Son gained his Vietnamese citizenship and nationality. This change saw his name officially transition from Rafaelson to Nguyen Xuan Son, as he is now widely known. By November, FIFA approved his eligibility to play for the Vietnam national team at the 2024 AFF Cup.

His inclusion in the squad also makes him the first naturalized player to represent Vietnam’s national football team.

From a young prospect to a star striker for Vietnam, Son’s journey has undoubtedly been one for the books. Not only can he speak Vietnamese fluently now, but he can also confidently sing Vietnam’s national anthem Tien Quan Ca (the Song of the Marching Troops).

“I’ve been thinking a lot about tomorrow’s game. I just want to get on the field and play. I’m very happy with the support I’ve received from fans, the coaching staff, and my teammates,” Son told the pre-match press conference.

“I’m confident I can sing the anthem well. I practice speaking Vietnamese every day, and with the help of others, communication has not been an issue,” he said.

After the match, Son shared his emotions: “I feel very happy. This is a special night for me, the players, and the fans. I will never forget this day in my life. Thank you to the fans, teammates, and coaches for supporting me. I will enjoy this night.”

Vietnam – the promising land

“Talent is the essence of the nation,” declared Than Nhan Trung, a scholar of the Le Dynasty, when he penned the inscription for the stone steles at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature in 1484 under Emperor Le Thanh Tong’s commission.

Throughout history, despite its ups and downs, Vietnam has always proven itself a welcoming land where talent can thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.

Beyond Nguyen Xuan Son, many foreign players have also expressed their desire to don the red and gold jersey of Vietnam’s national team. Following Son’s dazzling performance against Myanmar, his teammate and compatriot at Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, Hêndrio Araújo da Silva, has voiced his aspiration to join Vietnam’s national squad.

In addition to naturalized players, Vietnamese football has also seen numerous overseas Vietnamese players shine for the national team. Notable examples include goalkeepers Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Filip.

Broadening the scope beyond sports, Vietnam seeks to attract talent in all fields, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. According to General Secretary To Lam, high-quality human resources are a critical factor for propelling the nation into a “new era of growth.”

On July 31, 2023, the Government issued the National Strategy for Attracting and Utilizing Talent through 2030, with a vision extending to 2050.

Dr. Vu Minh Khuong, a senior lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Group, highlights that Vietnam has gone through three transformative periods:

First, the “Rise” period (1945-1975), marked by the fight against two imperialist invasions and the nation’s liberation. It was followed by the “Awakening” period, beginning in 1986, which saw remarkable achievements during the Doi moi (Renovation).

The current “Surge” period, aiming to transform Vietnam into a developed country by 2045. Khuong emphasized that achieving this “Surge” requires a strong focus on developing high-quality human resources, especially by attracting and utilizing talent.

He noted that Vietnam has tapped into only about 50% of its potential, with resource and opportunity wastage still prevalent across many sectors and organizations.

In this context, the image of Xuan Son, with his dazzling debut for the Vietnam national football team, serves as a testament to the aspirations and dedication of every individual who calls Vietnam home, regardless of their origins.

It is imperative that we cherish and support such aspirations and determination. Equally important is the establishment of appropriate policies and mechanisms to encourage, attract, and empower talent to converge in Vietnam, thereby propelling the nation into a new era of growth and prosperity.