Gustavo Santos became a Vietnamese citizen, taking the Vietnamese name Do Phi Long.

A signature on December 4, 2025, could change the face of Vietnamese football's defense: Brazilian center-back Gustavo Santos officially becomes a Vietnamese citizen with the new name Do Phi Long. The official announcement ceremony will take place on December 11 in Da Nang, concluding the naturalization process which was completed in about 5 months.

The processing speed was surprisingly fast.

According to a decision signed by President Luong Cuong, Do Phi Long completed the legal procedures in a shorter time than expected. This process received support from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the SHB Da Nang leadership, and the attention of national team head coach Kim Sang-sik. With approximately 5 months from the start to the decision, this is one of the fastest-processed naturalization applications, creating a clear legal foundation for the next step.

Playing profile and style

Born in 1995, Do Phi Long is 1.95m tall and is a center-back with a striking physique, a calm playing style, and precise attacking initiation. His aerial ability is considered a strong point at both ends of the field.

He arrived in Vietnam in 2019, playing for Saigon FC, Song Lam Nghe An, and shining with Thanh Hoa, winning two national championships, before moving to Da Nang this season. At 30 years old, his years of experience in domestic football are an advantage, especially in matches requiring high levels of organization and concentration from the defense.

Tactical perspective: Why Do Phi Long?

Standing at 1.95m tall, Do Phi Long offers a reliable aerial defense option and is a natural target for attacking set pieces. His composure in handling the ball allows him to help control the tempo and move the ball forward through accurate passes. These are qualities often prioritized in modern center-backs: the ability to handle pressure and participate in the build-up phase.

Besides individual factors, years of adaptation at clubs in Vietnam provide an advantage in terms of football language and rhythm. A center-back who understands the transitional rhythm of a familiar league can help stabilize the defense sooner when entering the national team environment.

Opportunities for selection to the national team and the FIFA legal framework.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is currently reviewing Do Phi Long's eligibility to ensure full compliance with FIFA regulations. Unless legal obstacles arise, it will only be a matter of time before coach Kim Sang-sik considers including this newcomer in the Vietnamese national team's squad for the match against Malaysia.

The key at this stage is to complete the verification procedures, thereby giving the coaching staff a solid basis for deploying personnel plans for the defense. Given the international match schedule requiring flexibility, a center-back who possesses both the physique and experience playing in Vietnam is a potential option.

The broader picture

Besides Do Phi Long, Vietnamese football may soon welcome other notable naturalized players such as Patrik Le Giang, Geovane Magno, Janclesio, or Gordon Rimario. This type of reinforcement, if done according to regulations and with careful selection, will increase competition for positions and depth in the squad.

Highlights

• The naturalization decision was signed on December 4, 2025; the award ceremony will be held on December 11 in Da Nang.
• The process took approximately 5 months to complete with the support of the VFF, SHB Da Nang, and coach Kim Sang-sik.
• Standing at 1.95m tall, he has a calm playing style, initiates precise attacks, and is strong in aerial duels.
• He started playing in Vietnam in 2019; previously played for Saigon FC, Song Lam Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa; currently plays in Da Nang.
• The VFF is reviewing eligibility according to FIFA regulations; it may be considered for the match against Malaysia.