Son, who suffered a serious leg injury at the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final earlier this year, was unable to join Vietnam in their qualifier against Malaysia on June 10, where they suffered a 0-4 defeat, their biggest loss ever to the Southeast Asian opponent.
After the match, Son posted “31/3/2026” on Instagram, the date of the second leg between Vietnam and Malaysia.
Following his club Nam Dinh FC’s title win in the V. League this season on Sunday, Son addressed the message.
“I posted that on Instagram because I wanted to come back and take revenge on Malaysia.”
Son emphasized that the 0-4 loss was unacceptable for the national team and the fans.
“Winning and losing are part of the game, but like everyone else, I feel regretful and sad when I think about that match. Therefore, I’m even more eager until the day I come back strong to help the team.”
Son is following advice of doctors and therapists, and is unsure when he will return to competition. But he remains committed to making his comeback as soon as possible.
Last season, Son played a key role in Nam Dinh’s historic V. League win, scoring 31 goals, earning the Top Scorer and Best Player awards. This season, he contributed 7 goals in the first 7 games before his injury.
Son’s absence was one of the challenges Nam Dinh faced in 2025, but the team overcame them to defend their V. League championship successfully. They won all seven of their last matches, including a 3-0 victory over direct challenger Hanoi FC, securing the title one round early.
“Unlike the first time, this championship is very special. I can’t describe it, but defending the title is very important and meaningful for the team and for me,” Son said. “I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Son, whose Brazilian name is Rafaelson Fernandes, became a naturalized Vietnamese citizen in September 2024, making him the first player without Vietnamese descent to be called up to the national team since 2009.
In Vietnam’s 2024 ASEAN Cup victory, he contributed seven goals, earning the Top Scorer and Best Player awards.
After playing for Nam Dinh, SHB Da Nang and Binh Dinh FC, Son returned to the former in 2023 and has signed a contract with the club until 2031.
With 75 goals in 100 matches in the V. League, National Cup and Super Cup, Son set a record in Vietnamese football with 31 goals in the 2023-2024 season, surpassing Le Huynh Duc’s 25-goal record from 1996.
It is expected that Son will resume training in September and return to competition in early 2026.
