No meat, no problem in elite football? Vietnam’s naturalized player draws attention over vegetarian diet

Hen, who plays for Hanoi FC in V.League 1, became a Vietnamese citizen in October 2025 and has been included in a preliminary squad of Vietnam's national football team for a 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia on Tuesday.

His diet has prompted questions among fans about whether a plant-based regimen can sustain the demands of football, a high-intensity sport requiring endurance and recovery.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, well-planned vegetarian diets can support athletes at all levels, while the International Society of Sports Nutrition says such diets do not inherently impair performance if nutritional needs are met.

Football relies heavily on carbohydrate-derived glycogen for energy, and plant-based diets are typically rich in carbohydrates that support endurance. 

Protein requirements can also be met through a range of foods including soy, legumes, and grains, according to sports nutrition guidance.

Experts say vegetarian athletes must pay particular attention to nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron, as well as overall energy intake, to avoid deficiencies that could affect performance.

Hen said his diet includes fruit, eggs, grains, beans, and vegetables, alongside vitamin B12 and multivitamin supplements.