Xuan Son returns to the Vietnam national team, sending a message: 'I'm hungry'.
After a nine-month absence, Xuan Son was called back for FIFA Days in November and sent a message saying 'I'm hungry'; the Vietnam national team is preparing to play away against Laos in the fifth round of qualifiers.
Nguyen Xuan Son's "I'm hungry" message appeared shortly after the naturalized striker was called up to the Vietnamese national team for the FIFA Days in November, ending a nine-month absence due to injury. This signals a determined return, as coach Kim Sang Sik and his team are revamping their attack in preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup.
The message 'I'm hungry' and memories of the 2024 AFF Cup.
On his personal page, Xuan Son posted a photo of himself during the 2024 AFF Cup final against Thailand, accompanied by the short caption: "I'm hungry." These two short words encapsulate his desire to return to the pitch, score goals, and conquer titles, as well as his determination to prove himself after a long period of injury treatment.
This is the first time he has sent a strong signal since his serious injury in the second leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final. The image of him fiercely battling amidst a swarm of Thai players brings back memories of the time when Xuan Son – a player of Brazilian descent – was a formidable attacking force that Southeast Asian opponents were particularly wary of.
Vietnam National Team Training Camp Plan for November 2025
According to the plan, the Vietnamese national team will train from November 10 to 19, 2025 at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center. The team will then travel to Viet Tri (Phu Tho) for training from November 11 to 14, before heading to Laos to play their 5th qualifying match against the host team.
Whether Xuan Son will play in the match against Laos remains uncertain. However, his inclusion in the squad is a positive sign for the rebuilding of the attacking line.
Physical condition, playing ability, and signals from the club.
Sharing his thoughts on his player, Nam Dinh FC coach Nguyen Trung Kien said: “Xuan Son has fully recovered and is in top physical condition. If all procedures are completed, he could play in the upcoming V-League Round 11.” This indicates that the striker is ready to return to top-level competition.
Potential impact on the attack heading into the 2027 Asian Cup.
Xuan Son's return comes at a time when coach Kim Sang Sik is gradually renewing the Vietnamese national team's attacking line. If he can recapture his peak form, the Nam Dinh striker could become an important "weapon" for long-term goals, while also increasing the depth of options in the attacking line.
At the club level, the prospect of Xuan Son returning to play soon is also good news for Nam Dinh, as it provides the team with another familiar attacking option, supporting both the tempo and the connection on the field.
Highlights
- Xuan Son posted the message "I'm hungry" after being called up to the Vietnam national team for the FIFA Days in November.
- The Vietnamese national team will train from November 10–19, 2025, and practice in Viet Tri (November 11–14) before playing away against Laos in the 5th round of qualifiers.
- Coach Nguyen Trung Kien: Xuan Son has fully recovered and can play in V-League Round 11 if the necessary procedures are completed.
- If he regains his form, Xuan Son could become an important attacking option for the campaign leading up to the 2027 Asian Cup.
