Vietnam gets 2 more naturalized football players

The two players, formerly known as Michael Olaha and Williams Lee, are listed as Vietnamese citizens on Ho Chi Minh City Police FC's squad registration for the 2026-27 season, according to the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company.

Olaha, born in 1997, has taken the Vietnamese name Olaha Manh Duc after completing the naturalization process.

The 1.86-meter striker played for Song Lam Nghe An FC last season, scoring nine goals in 26 V.League appearances before joining Ho Chi Minh City Police FC.

Williams Lee, born in 2007, is now registered as Williams Minh Hoang. The 1.90-meter player joined Ho Chi Minh City Police FC last season and scored six goals in 17 V.League appearances.

He also scored twice in three Vietnamese National Cup appearances in the 2025-26 season, helping the club win the title.

The two players can now be registered as domestic players, giving Ho Chi Minh City Police FC greater attacking options in the 2026-27 V.League season.

Their status as Vietnamese players could also benefit the Vietnam national team if they continue to perform well.

Williams Minh Hoang could be selected for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in September, while Olaha Manh Duc could potentially join the national team for the 2027 Asian Cup after completing five consecutive years of residence in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City Police FC has yet to officially announce that the two players have obtained Vietnamese citizenship.

The club will face Hanoi Police FC in the 2026 Vietnamese National Super Cup at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi at 6:00 pm on August 30.

The match will also mark the debut of three players who have recently obtained Vietnamese citizenship: Olaha Manh Duc and Williams Minh Hoang of Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, and French-Vietnamese center back Adou Leygley Minh of Hanoi Police FC.