Brazilian-born naturalized player marks memorable milestone for Vietnam national team

Vietnam's national squad steps into the friendly against Bangladesh at 7:00 PM on March 26 at Hang Day Stadium, featuring a special emphasis in the starting formation.

Midfielder Do Hoang Hen officially receives the opportunity to start in his very first appearance at the national team level. This is considered a memorable milestone in the career of the Hanoi FC player, while also opening up high expectations for the attack of the "Golden Star Warriors".

Prior to this, Coach Kim Sang Sik announced the list of 23 players called up for the March 2026 FIFA Days, featuring the participation of many familiar pillars such as Van Lam, Filip, Duy Manh, Quang Hai, and Tuan Hai. Additionally, the appearance of Do Hoang Hen (formerly Hendrio Araujo) quickly drew attention as this is his first call-up after completing the Vietnamese naturalization procedures in October 2025.

Being listed in the starting lineup right in his first match demonstrates the significant trust the coaching staff places in the midfielder born in 1994. With good individual technique, creative ability, and an energetic playing style, Hoang Hen is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Vietnam's midfield, especially as the team aims to diversify its attacking options.

On his personal page, Hoang Hen previously could not hide his emotion upon his first national team call-up. He shared: “This is the most special day in my career. A dream has come true… Wearing the Vietnam national team jersey is an immense pride.” 

Joining Vietnamese football in 2021, Hoang Hen has played over 5 years in V-League and accumulated considerable experience. In the colors of Hanoi FC, he stands out with his ability to orchestrate play and create breakthroughs in the opponent's final third. His consistent performance recently helped him catch the eye of Coach Kim Sang Sik.

Hoang Hen's involvement is also anticipated to create a noteworthy combination with other attacking elements like Xuan Son, thereby enhancing the offensive power of the Vietnam national team for upcoming objectives, including major tournaments for the team in 2026.