He gave fluent answers in Vietnamese during a post-match interview after his first appearance for the Vietnam national team (a 3-0 win over Bangladesh on March 26).
“‘Vietnamese soldiers march forward, united to save the nation.’ I understand these lyrics. They represent encouragement, determination, and unity toward a greater goal,” Do Hoang Hen shared.
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Do Hoang Hen (right) has an impressive performance in Vietnam’s 3-1 victory over Malaysia on March 31, in the third qualifying round of the Asian Cup 2027. |
He added, “Every time I play in the V-League, players from both teams line up to sing the national anthem. That routine happens often enough for me to feel familiar and attached to it. I seriously study Vietnamese and have memorized the national anthem. I can even basically understand the lines in ‘Tien quan ca’ (Marching song).”
Hoang Hen enjoys life, people, and food in Vietnam. He loves the tranquility of Quy Nhon (Gia Lai), appreciates life in Ninh Binh, and is energized by the bustle of Hanoi.
Over the past two years, he has diligently studied Vietnamese, attending three classes a week to practice listening, speaking, and reading with a teacher. During his time at Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, whenever he encountered unfamiliar Vietnamese words, he would ask Hong Duy and Tuan Anh. After joining Hanoi FC, Duy Manh and Hai Long helped him further expand his vocabulary.
In mid-October 2025, Hoang Hen officially became a Vietnamese citizen. “This is an honor I will never forget. I always feel happy as if I am at home. And now, I truly am a part of Vietnam where I belong,” said the player born in 1994.
Hoang Hen’s journey to becoming a Vietnamese player has been accompanied by Lais Machado. The Brazilian woman has been a strong source of emotional support behind his football career. “She is my friend, my partner, and a great source of motivation. Even though she is not naturally inclined toward vegetarian cooking, Lais Machado still tries hard to learn and carefully prepares my meals. You know, I have been vegetarian for more than six years. For much of that time, my meals have come from her caring hands,” Hoang Hen shared.
“I love life in Vietnam and being with Hoang Hen,” Lais Machado said, adding that they found joy and peace in the places they visited across Vietnam. “It is truly a pride and honor that Hoang Hen receives support from the media and fans. I am also very happy to see him play for the Vietnam national team. In the end, his dream has come true!,” she stressed.
Besides Lais Machado, another woman who always supports Hoang Hen from afar is his mother. “I called my mother as soon as I learned I had been selected for the Vietnam national team. She was very happy and encouraged me to keep trying. Unfortunately, she is currently ill and cannot travel to Vietnam this time. Previously, I took Lais Machado and my mother to several famous destinations in Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Hanoi. Even on her first visit to Vietnam, my mother quickly grew fond of it and understood why I want to stay here long-term,” the player expressed.
Translated by Mai Huong