Overseas Vietnamese footballers eagerly await the day they obtain Vietnamese citizenship

Goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang feels honored to be included in the "Top 3 Best Foreign Players." He looks forward to gaining Vietnamese citizenship soon to keep giving his best.

At the award gala Vietnamese Golden Ball 2025, the overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang was listed among the "Top 3 Best Foreign Players in Vietnam 2025." During this season, Patrik played 11 matches for Công an TPHCM, keeping a clean sheet in 4 of them.

Sharing on his personal page after being recognized, the 1993-born goalkeeper expressed his emotions: "Being officially named in the Top 3 Best Foreign Players in Vietnam 2025 is a great honor for me and a moment I will never forget.

I sincerely thank Công An TP. Hồ Chí Minh Football Club and TP. Hồ Chí Minh FC, my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who has accompanied me on this journey. Without you, this would not have been possible."

The goalkeeper from Công an TPHCM sent his gratitude to fans, especially those who voted for him for this award, and congratulated Alan Grafite from CAHN – the winner. Notably, Patrik Lê Giang also expressed his strong desire to soon obtain Vietnamese citizenship to contribute as a domestic player:

"Your support and love have given me strength and motivation to keep improving every day. Let’s keep moving forward… Step by step. See you next year… hopefully as a Vietnamese citizen."

The overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper came to Vietnam to play from 2023 with CAHN club before moving to TPHCM club (now Công an TPHCM). However, unlike other overseas Vietnamese players, Patrik Lê Giang's citizenship application process has been quite challenging. Nevertheless, the Slovakian-born goalkeeper affirms he will patiently wait. Besides contributing to Công an TPHCM, Patrik Lê Giang strongly desires the chance to wear the Vietnam national team jersey in international competitions: "Wearing the Vietnam national team jersey is my dream. I am constantly striving to meet the requirements to represent Vietnam,"he once shared.