Singapore media label Vietnam’s Xuân Son ‘Haaland of Hanoi’
Ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026 match against Singapore at My Dinh Stadium on July 31, Singapore’s Straits Times dubbed Vietnam’s striker Nguyễn Xuân Son the "Haaland of Hanoi" for his physical strength, sharp finishing, and impressive goal-scoring record. Xuân Son scored in Vietnam’s 7-0 group stage win over Timor Leste on July 24, bringing his tally to 12 goals in 10 international matches, including 8 in ASEAN Cup competitions. Vietnam, aiming to defend their ASEAN Cup title, is on a 14-match winning streak, with their coach Kim Sang-sik cautioning the team to stay focused against a wary Singapore side.
Key facts
- Straits Times compared Nguyễn Xuân Son to Erling Haaland for his playing style
- Xuân Son scored 12 goals in 10 international matches, including eight in ASEAN Cup
- Vietnam aims to extend their 14-match winning streak in ASEAN Cup against Singapore
Why it matters
This reflects the growing recognition of Vietnamese football talent on the international stage, highlighting Nguyễn Xuân Son's impact as a key player. For overseas Vietnamese and international football fans, it signals Vietnam's strong title defence prospects in the ASEAN Cup and rising competitiveness within Southeast Asia's football scene.
Source and method
This brief was written by Daily Vietnam's editing desk from a report published by VnExpress - Thể thao, using AI assistance and a fixed editorial structure. It contains only facts established by that report and adds nothing from outside it. It is a summary for readers who do not read Vietnamese, not a replacement for the original. All reporting credit belongs to VnExpress - Thể thao.
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