French-born defender officially granted Vietnamese citizenship, eligible for national team

Adou Minh received the official decision granting him Vietnamese citizenship at the Hanoi Department of Justice on Friday morning.

His full Vietnamese name is now Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh.

“Today is a very special day. I am proud to become a Vietnamese citizen,” he said.

His club, Cong An Ha Noi FC, announced on August 12 that the 29-year-old had completed the legal procedures for naturalization and obtained Vietnamese citizenship.

Born in France to a French father and Vietnamese mother, Adou Minh moved to Vietnam in 2024 to play for Hong Linh Ha Tinh.

He joined Cong An Ha Noi in 2025.

Adou Minh, 1.78 meters tall, primarily operates as a center-back but is also a threat from set pieces.

He has developed a reputation for contributing goals during his two seasons in Vietnamese football.

Last season, he made 29 appearances as Cong An Ha Noi won the top-tier V.League title.

More recently, he played the full 90 minutes against Adelaide United in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off, helping his club secure a place in Asia’s premier club competition for next season.

News of his naturalization was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese fans on social media, with many expressing hope that he will soon receive a call-up to the national team.

“The Vietnam defense will become even stronger,” fan The Hien Nguyen wrote.

“Call him up next month for the FIFA ASEAN Cup,” another supporter, Duong Dang, commented.

Vietnam are currently competing in the 2026 ASEAN Championship.

Following the tournament, head coach Kim Sang-sik’s side are scheduled to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in September.

The competition is part of the FIFA international calendar, meaning clubs are required to release players for national-team duty, giving Vietnam access to its strongest possible squad.

Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh has become the fifth overseas Vietnamese player to successfully acquire Vietnamese citizenship since late 2023.

Before him, Nguyen Filip, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Ngo Dang Khoa and Le Giang Patrik had all completed the naturalization process and subsequently received call-ups to the national team.