# Naturalization of football players in Vietnam

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/naturalization-of-football-players-in-vietnam
> Updated: 2026-08-26T10:32:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Footballers are increasingly obtaining Vietnamese citizenship to compete in domestic leagues and represent the national team.

Brazilian footballer Đỗ Hoàng Hên and his partner, Lais Machado, formalized his citizenship at the Hanoi Department of Justice. This status allows Hoàng Hên to represent the Vietnam national team under coach Kim Sang-sik, specifically in preparation for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Similarly, players formerly known as Michael Olaha and Williams Lee have completed the naturalization process. Now registered as Olaha Manh Duc and Williams Minh Hoang, both players are playing for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC in the V. League. While Minh Hoang may be eligible for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Olaha Manh Duc may become eligible for the 2027 Asian Cup after meeting residency requirements.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Vietnam naturalizes two football players for V. League

Two football players, Olaha Manh Duc and Williams Minh Hoang, have obtained Vietnamese citizenship, allowing them to register as domestic players for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-naturalizes-two-football-players-for-v-league

### 2026-08-26: Đỗ Hoàng Hên receives Vietnamese citizenship

Brazilian-born footballer Đỗ Hoàng Hên has officially received Vietnamese citizenship, a milestone celebrated alongside his partner Lais Machado as he prepares for the ASEAN Cup 2026 with the Vietnam national队.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hong-hn-receives-vietnamese-citizenship

---
Cite as: Naturalization of football players in Vietnam. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/naturalization-of-football-players-in-vietnam