Do Duy Manh criticizes naturalization programs in Southeast Asia

Vietnam national team captain Do Duy Manh has launched criticism against the growing trend of naturalization programs in the ASEAN region through his social media post.

Through his personal Facebook account, the 28-year-old player shared FIFA rankings of ASEAN countries with a satirical comment — “We are very poor, so we have to work harder.”

The post garnered various interpretations from Vietnamese football fans — many suspected that Do Duy Manh was taking a dig at countries spending large amounts on naturalization programs.

Ironically, Vietnam’s national team itself has naturalized players in their squad:

• Dang Van Lam
• Filip Nguyen
• Nguyen Xuan Son