At the recent Golden Ball gala, Vietnamese football fans were treated to a heartfelt moment as Xuan Son, a naturalized striker, attended the event on crutches after suffering a significant injury earlier this year. The 27-year-old Brazilian forward, who has been making waves in Vietnam’s football scene, fractured his right leg during Vietnam’s 3-2 victory over Thailand in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final on January 5. Despite the setback, Son made a strong appearance at the prestigious event, sporting a suit, bow tie, and earrings, with his fiancée Seippe by his side, wearing a beautiful white dress.
Although Son’s injury kept him from walking without support, he was seen using crutches and wearing sandals for comfort. After undergoing surgery in Hanoi, Son was expected to spend around eight months recovering. He initially spent two weeks in a Hanoi hospital before returning home to Nam Dinh for the Lunar New Year celebrations, eventually resuming his recovery in Hanoi.
The Brazilian forward has become a major figure in Vietnamese football in recent years, particularly for his outstanding performances in the V-League and the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Son’s injury didn’t stop the excitement around his presence at the gala, as fans and event guests eagerly lined up to take photos and ask for autographs.
Despite being the top scorer in both the V-League last season and the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Son was not nominated for the Men’s Golden Ball due to his recent naturalization in September 2024. As he had spent much of the year playing as a foreign player, the organizers clarified that his eligibility for the Men’s Golden Ball was limited. Instead, Son was nominated for the Best Foreign Player award, alongside Hendrio of Nam Dinh FC and Alan Sebastiao of Cong An Ha Noi.
Son was announced as the winner of the Best Foreign Player award, a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to Vietnamese football. Due to his injury, the award was presented to him by H’Hen Nie, the 2017 Miss Universe Vietnam, who made her way to his seat on stage along with a member of the organizing committee to deliver the trophy.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Son’s achievement, Tran Thi Thuy Trang took home the Women’s Golden Ball. Trang, a key player for both Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam national women’s futsal team, continues to shine as one of the standout figures in Vietnamese women’s football.
Despite facing significant challenges, Son’s continued commitment to both his recovery and his football career highlights his determination, and this Golden Ball recognition marks another milestone in his journey.
You Might Be Interested In:
