Brian Jeffrey
The future of naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son’s participation in the upcoming SEA Games 33 in late 2025 has become a hot topic among fans and analysts.
Currently, 27-year-old Xuan Son is in rehabilitation after a successful surgery, aiming to be back on the pitch in about nine months. This timeline could align with his potential involvement in SEA Games 33, contingent on the inclusion of two older players as has been the norm in prior tournaments.
After winning the ASEAN Cup, coach Kim Sang Sik is focused on clinching gold at SEA Games 33 while gearing up for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Set to take place in Thailand, SEA Games 33 will see coach Kim assembling a formidable team. He stated the importance of scouting players during the upcoming V-League season to refine the final roster.
When asked about Xuan Son’s chances of being part of the SEA Games squad, Kim expressed optimism: “I hope Xuan Son recovers quickly. His addition would bring stability and strength to our team.”
He further noted that while integrating naturalized players like Xuan Son can boost competitiveness, nurturing local talent is equally essential. A healthy rivalry between domestic and international players can further strengthen the squad.
The conversation about Xuan Son’s inclusion is intensified by the SEA Games’ commitment to youth development. In the latest edition, the age ceiling was set below 22 years, with allowances for two older players. Yet, the criteria for the 2025 SEA Games remain uncertain.
Trần Anh Tú, Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), remarked, “It’s premature to make a decision regarding Xuan Son’s participation. His recovery and the organizing committee’s stance on older players are vital. Ultimately, Coach Kim Sang Sik’s strategy will dictate the final decision.”
While some critics argue that the SEA Games should prioritize younger domestic players, others contend that including experienced players like Xuan Son is essential, especially with teams like Indonesia and the Philippines recruiting naturalized athletes.
As the chase for the SEA Games gold medal intensifies, the inclusion of Xuan Son will mirror Vietnam’s strategy in regional football. If he continues to recover as planned, his expertise and skills could be critical to achieving victory.
For the moment, attention remains on Xuan Son’s rehabilitation progress and the decisions from the SEA Games organizers and coaching staff, as public opinion on his potential inclusion continues to be divided.
