Kyle Colonna granted Vietnamese citizenship

American-born defender Kyle Colonna, now officially known by his Vietnamese name Lương Chí Khải, has been granted Vietnamese citizenship. The decision, which became effective on August 29, allows the 25-year-old center-back to potentially represent the Vietnam national football team.

Colonna, who stands 1.88 meters tall, currently plays for Thể Công Viettel in the V.League. He was born in Danville, USA, to an American father and a Vietnamese mother. Due to his maternal lineage, he is exempt from certain continuous residency requirements. He is expected to seek a federation transfer from the United States to Vietnam to finalize his eligibility.

A key defensive figure for Thể Công Viettel, Colonna has earned recognition for his physical presence and tactical intelligence, including being named to the V.League 2025/26 Team of the Season. His addition is viewed by experts as a significant reinforcement for head coach Kim Sang-sik's squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.