Indonesian fans react strongly as Vietnam gains a new naturalized star ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup

Adou Minh has officially become a Vietnamese citizen, paving the way for a national team call-up and sparking particular interest among Indonesian supporters before the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) confirms that defender Nguyen Leygley Adou Minh has completed the legal procedures and officially become a Vietnamese citizen. The information was announced on August 12, just one day after CAHN secured a 2-0 victory over Adelaide United in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 play-off round.

Adou Minh's acquisition of Vietnamese citizenship not only gives CAHN an additional domestic player but also opens the possibility for the 1997-born defender to be called up by coach Kim Sang-sik to the national team. If he meets the professional requirements, he could be considered for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup in September.

This news quickly caught the attention of Indonesian fans, especially given that Vietnam and Indonesia are considered top contenders for the FIFA ASEAN Cup title.

Some Indonesian fans believe that Vietnam is increasingly proactive in adding players of foreign origin to strengthen the team.

"Vietnam was already one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia, and now they continue to add naturalized players, making them even harder to beat."

Another opinion suggests that Adou Minh's potential to play for Vietnam is a sign that the opponent is preparing very seriously for the upcoming tournament.

"Indonesia needs to pay special attention to Vietnam. They are preparing thoroughly for the FIFA ASEAN Cup and clearly want to compete for the championship at all costs."

Many fans also mentioned the possibility that Adou Minh could directly face Indonesia if called up by coach Kim Sang-sik.

"If Adou Minh is called up to the national team, he could well face Indonesia in September. He will be a defender to watch."

 

However, a segment of Indonesian fans also believe that Vietnam is increasingly using naturalized players, which could shift the regional power balance.

"Vietnam now relies too heavily on naturalized players. They are already strong but still want to be even stronger."

Adou Minh stands at 1.78 m tall and developed through French football. He previously played for Grenoble, Annecy, and Racing Besancon before moving to Vietnam to play for Hong Linh Ha Tinh in 2024. A year later, the defender joined CAHN.

In the 2025/26 season, Adou Minh made 24 appearances, playing 1,692 minutes, scoring 2 goals, and providing 1 assist. He is highly regarded for his reading of the game, tackling, and organizing the defense.

If called up, Adou Minh will add more competition in the central defender position alongside names like Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Thanh Chung, and Pham Xuan Manh.

Notably, Adou Minh recently helped CAHN secure a 2-0 victory over Adelaide United, thereby earning a spot in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27.

In the eyes of Indonesian fans, the emergence of Adou Minh makes the rivalry between the two leading football nations in the region even more intriguing. If the French-Vietnamese defender is given the opportunity, the Vietnam-Indonesia clash at the FIFA ASEAN Cup could feature an additional character to look forward to.