Xuan Son returns to Vietnam National Team, sends message 'I'm hungry'
After 9 months of absence, Xuan Son was called back for FIFA Days in November and texted 'I'm hungry'; Vietnam national team is preparing to visit Laos in round 5 of the qualifying round.
Nguyen Xuan Son's message "I'm hungry" appeared right after this naturalized striker was called up to the Vietnam national team for the FIFA Days in November, ending a 9-month absence due to injury. It is a sign of a determined return, in the context of coach Kim Sang Sik and his team renewing their attack line towards the 2027 Asian Cup.
The message 'I'm hungry' and the memory of AFF Cup 2024
On his personal page, Xuan Son posted a photo of himself in the AFF Cup 2024 final against Thailand, with the short caption: "I'm hungry". Two short words but encapsulate the desire to return to the field, score goals and win titles, as well as the determination to assert himself after a long time of injury treatment.
This is the first time he has sent out a strong signal since his serious injury in the second leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final. The image of a fierce fight surrounded by Thai players recalls the time when Xuan Son — a player of Brazilian blood — was the striker that Southeast Asian opponents were especially wary of.
Vietnam National Team Concentration Plan November 2025
According to the plan, the Vietnam National Team will gather from November 10 to 19, 2025 at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center. The team will move to Viet Tri (Phu Tho) to practice from November 11 to 14, before leaving for Laos to compete in the 5th qualifying round against the host team.
Whether Xuan Son will play in the match against Laos or not is still unclear. However, his name being on the training list is a positive sign for the process of rebuilding the attack.
Fitness, ability to play and signals from the club
Sharing about his student, coach Nguyen Trung Kien of Nam Dinh Club said: "Xuan Son has recovered 100% and is in the best physical condition. If all procedures are completed, he can compete in the upcoming round 11 of V-League". This is the basis showing that this striker is ready to return to the top competition rhythm.
Potential impact on the attack heading into the 2027 Asian Cup
Xuan Son returns at a time when coach Kim Sang Sik is gradually renewing the front line of the Vietnam national team. If he can reproduce his peak form, the Nam Dinh striker can become an important “weapon” for the long-term goal, while also helping to increase the depth of options in attack.
At the club level, the prospect of Xuan Son returning to play soon is also good news for Nam Dinh, as the team has an additional familiar attacking option, supporting both tempo and connection on the field.
Highlights
- Xuan Son posted the message "I'm hungry" after being called up to the Vietnam national team for FIFA Days in November.
- The Vietnam national team will gather from November 10-19, 2025, and train in Viet Tri (November 11-14) before visiting Laos in the 5th qualifying round.
- Coach Nguyen Trung Kien: Xuan Son has recovered 100% and can play in round 11 of V-League if he completes the procedures.
- If he regains his form, Xuan Son could become an important attacking option for the campaign towards the 2027 Asian Cup.
