Xuan Son scores a hat-trick as Nam Dinh defeats Shan United 3-0.
Returning after 10 months out with injury, Xuan Son scored a hat-trick to help Nam Dinh beat Shan United 3-0 in the Shopee Cup 2025/26, propelling the team to second place in Group B; Ball Thai takes note.
Xuan Son scored three goals to help Nam Dinh win 3-0 against Shan United in the group stage of the Shopee Cup 2025/26, thus moving up to second place in Group B after two consecutive wins. The return of the Vietnamese national team striker immediately created a big impact, with Thai media – especially Ball Thai – paying prominent attention.
Hat-trick decided the outcome.
The match against Shan United in the group stage of the 2025/26 Southeast Asian Club Championship saw a standout finishing performance from Xuan Son. With three goals, the striker born in 1997 was the biggest difference-maker, turning the game into a resounding 3-0 victory for Nam Dinh.
| Match | Score | Tournament | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nam Dinh vs Shan United | 3-0 | Shopee Cup 2025/26 | Group stage, Group B |
Reaction from Thailand
Ball Thai headlined: "Nguyen Xuan Son has recovered from injury and scored a hat-trick to help Nam Dinh defeat Shan United 3-0." The article emphasized that the naturalized striker of Golden Star single-handedly scored all three goals, propelling Nam Dinh to second place in Group B after two consecutive wins. Ball Thai referred to him as "the Brazilian footballer Nguyen Xuan Son" and paid special attention to this performance.
The journey back after 10 months.
Xuan Son officially returned after a 10-month injury layoff in the match between the Vietnam national team and the Laos national team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. In that return, he scored the opening goal for the "Golden Star Warriors". Back at his club, the striker played in the National Cup against Long An but didn't score, before exploding with a hat-trick against Shan United.
Key statistics
- Three goals in one match secured a 3-0 victory for Nam Định against Shan United.
- Nam Định moved up to second place in Group B after two matches, with a winning streak in the group stage.
- Xuan Son's total number of goals since coming to Vietnam to play (in 2020) has reached 91, including both club and national team levels – approaching the 100 mark.
Significance for both the club and the national team.
Xuan Son's return to scoring form is a positive sign for Nam Dinh, especially as the team is going through a difficult period in multiple competitions. For the Vietnamese national team, this striker's form provides a quality option for the rematch against Malaysia next March.
Tactical perspective and game rhythm
Although detailed data on goal minutes or formations are unavailable, the 3-0 victory demonstrates the direct contribution of a highly efficient striker: three chances converted into three goals. At the team level, possessing a striker who is regaining his form helps Nam Định settle the match early, control risks, and consolidate their position in Group B.
