Xuan Son returns to Nam Dinh, determined to win against Long An.
Xuan Son returns after 10 months out with injury, declaring his readiness to help Nam Dinh Steel Green in the Round of 16 of the National Cup against Long An on November 23rd; his debut match as head coach Mauro Jeronimo.
After more than 10 months of waiting, Xuan Son confirmed he is ready to make his comeback in the colors of Nam Dinh Steel Green in the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup, against Long An on the evening of November 23rd. The Vietnam national team striker affirmed his determination to help the team overcome this difficult period, on the day the club introduced its new head coach Mauro Jeronimo and opened its doors free of charge to fans.
Statement by Xuan Son
Speaking during the training session on the afternoon of November 21st, Xuan Son said: "I am ready for the match. I will do my best to help my team win. I am aware of the difficulties the team is facing at the moment. But Nam Dinh Steel Green is a team that always aims for victory in every match."
After a long break due to injury, Xuan Son's return not only strengthens the attacking line but also has significant morale-boosting implications for the dressing room. The presence of a true striker provides the coaching staff with more options in their approach to knockout matches.
The context of Nam Dinh before the Round of 16.
Nam Dinh has just gone through a difficult run of results in the V-League. After 10 rounds, the reigning champions have only 2 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, placing them in the bottom group of the standings (top 10).
| Tournament | Ring | Win | Peace | Lose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-League | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
In that context, a victory in the National Cup could provide the necessary boost and help coach Mauro Jeronimo lay the first groundwork for his debut match.
Fans and a morale boost
Xuan Son expressed his gratitude: "Thank you to the amazing fans. This is an incredibly difficult time and we all want our team to win. I hope the fans will come to the stadium in large numbers to support the team in the next match."
The club announced that admission to the match against Long An will be free for both home and away fans. This decision aims to bring the team closer to its supporters, creating a passionate atmosphere for Xuan Son's return and the debut of head coach Mauro Jeronimo.
Points to look forward to in the match against Long An
- Match time: evening of November 23rd.
- Round of 16, 2025/26 National Cup.
- Opponent: Long An.
- Notable player: Xuan Son makes a comeback after more than 10 months out with injury.
- Head coach: Mauro Jeronimo makes his debut.
In a knockout format, attitude and the ability to capitalize on opportunities will be key. Xuan Son's declaration of readiness shows that Nam Dinh wants to turn their return into a statement, facing a formidable challenge in the form of Long An.
