Thai media reacts strongly as Vietnam national team naturalizes French-born player

Thai media asserts that the Vietnam team will see a noticeable increase in strength with Adou Minh's naturalization.

Thai media has paid special attention to Nguyen Adou Legley Minh after the French-Vietnamese defender officially completed his Vietnamese citizenship procedures on August 12, 2026. A Thai football website drew attention by raising the issue that the Vietnam national team's strength continues to be bolstered by players born abroad, while emphasizing that Adou Minh could become a formidable new option in the defense of the "Golden Star Warriors."

The site introduced Adou Minh as a defender born in Grenoble, France, with a Vietnamese mother, who has officially become a Vietnamese citizen. The media in the Land of the Golden Temple is particularly interested in the possibility that the 29-year-old center-back could be called up to the Vietnam national team in the near future, especially as the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 approaches and coach Kim Sang-sik needs more quality options for the defense.

The news that Adou Minh has Vietnamese citizenship was confirmed by Hanoi Police Club shortly after the capital team secured a spot in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite. CAHN announced: "Congratulations to Nguyen Adou Legley Minh. Center-back Nguyen Adou Legley Minh has officially completed legal procedures and obtained Vietnamese citizenship." This is considered great news for both the player and the club ahead of the new season.

Having Vietnamese citizenship means Adou Minh can be registered as a domestic player in domestic competitions. CAHN believes that the presence of this center-back will help coach Alexandre Polking have more squad depth in the 2026/27 season. More importantly, Adou Minh now also opens up the possibility of competing for a spot in the Vietnam national team if he meets the coaching staff's professional requirements.

Last season, Adou Minh maintained relatively steady form with 24 appearances in all competitions, totaling 1,692 minutes of play, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. With his physique, experience playing in France, and good tackling ability, he is expected to create more competition in the Vietnam national team's defense, especially as the team looks ahead to important tournaments at the end of the year.

Adou Minh was born on September 9, 1997 in Grenoble, with a French father and a Vietnamese mother. He grew up through the French football training system, having played for Grenoble, Annecy, and Racing Besancon before coming to Vietnam to play. Therefore, this center-back officially obtaining Vietnamese citizenship is not only significant for CAHN but also has caught the attention of Thai media, as the Vietnam national team could gain another experienced defensive option for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.