Hêndrio hungry to taste ASEAN Championship success of his own with Vietnam

BANGKOK -- When Vietnam won the last ASEAN Championship in 2024, they were fuelled by the seven-goal campaign of Rafaelson -- who had only gained citizenship on the eve of the tournament.

After a handful of disappointing experiments, Rafaelson has since proven to be Vietnam's greatest success with naturalisation and the squad contesting the current ASEAN Championship -- officially known as the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 -- has two more Brazilian-born imports in Hêndrio and Geovane Magno.

While going down the naturalisation route can often be dismissed as convenient short-term solutions, Hêndrio has already shown a great desire not only to represent his adopted country in the sport, but also immerse himself in the culture.

Having first moved to Vietnam in 2021, the São Paulo native -- who now also goes by the name Đỗ Hoàng Hên -- speaks fluent Vietnamese and often expresses an affinity with the locals.

And after only being able to watch Vietnam's last ASEAN Championship triumph as a spectator, Hêndrio is now relishing the opportunity to be playing a part with his team now just two games away from successfully defending their crown -- starting with Saturday's final first leg against Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium.

"For me, it's special -- my first tournament," Hêndrio replied, when asked by ESPN if he was motivated to taste the same success as Rafaelson did two years ago.

"We are ready for the opportunity to be champions in the final.

"It's very special for me to represent Vietnam. It's something amazing.

"I've lived a long time in the country. I love Vietnam. I love Vietnamese people. It will be a pleasure if we can give them this gift, especially since the second leg will be a game at home with our fans."

Vietnam are three-time champions of the tournament in 2008, 2018 and 2024 but they have never been able to hold on to the title the following edition.

It is an unwanted record, while not necessarily the most damning, that Vietnam coach Kim Sang-Sik will be happy to break against the Thais, who are themselves the record seven-time winners of the competition.

"We have the title of defending champions," said Kim. "We're also making new history for all of Vietnamese football.

"After the last ASEAN Championship, again we're in the final. Of course, Vietnamese football has a history [in this tournament.

"I really don't want to miss this chance. The players want more to become champions.

"Tomorrow, I hope we can prove on the pitch at Rajamangala Stadium why we are the defending champions."

Kim was a picture of calm in Friday's prematch news conference and perhaps for good reason. Him and his team have good experience of their last trip to Bangkok -- where they beat the Thais 3-1 in the second leg of the 2024 final to be crowned champions 5-3 on aggregate.

"We have very good memories at Rajamangala, which is two wins at this stadium," Kim added. "So we have a champion's experience.

"Currently all the players are preparing well. Everyone is in very good condition.

"I believe all the players will perform well at Rajamangala Stadium. Everything is going to be fine."