Recently, Seasia Goal announced the most valuable team in Southeast Asia based on Transfermarkt’s valuation. The Vietnamese national team has one representative in this lineup: striker Nguyen Xuan Son.
Nguyen Xuan Son in Southeast Asia's most valuable team
Nguyen Xuan Son: Vietnam’s Most Valuable Player in History
Vietnamese striker Nguyen Xuan Son is valued at €700,000, making him the most expensive player in Vietnamese football history. Although he ranks only 15th in Southeast Asia, he still makes the cut.
Son’s value skyrocketed after his success at the 2024 AFF Cup. Before the tournament, he was valued at €500,000. After helping Vietnam win the championship and securing individual accolades as the Best Player and Top Goalscorer, his value increased by €200,000.
Injuries and Nguyen Xuan Son’s Future
Unfortunately, Son’s rising value came to a halt when he suffered a serious injury during the 2024 AFF Cup final. The Brazilian-born player may need up to 9 months of treatment, preventing him from participating with both the national team and his club, Nam Dinh.
Indonesia and Thailand Dominate the Valuable Lineup
Indonesia dominates the list with six players. These include goalkeeper Maarten Paes (€1.8 million), four defenders—Kevin Diks (€4.5 million), Mees Hilgers (€9 million), Jay Idzes (€3 million), and Calvin Verdonk (€2.5 million)—and central midfielder Thom Haye (€1.5 million).
Thailand also has four representatives: Supachok Sarachat (€800,000), Chanathip Songkrasin (€1 million), Suphanat Mueanta (€800,000), and Supachai Jaided (€1.2 million). Notably, Chanathip and Supachai did not participate in the 2024 AFF Cup.
The Future of Indonesian Football
Indonesia may continue to dominate this list as PSSI chairman Erick Thohir seeks to naturalize additional Dutch players to fulfill their ambitions for a World Cup 2026 qualification. Recently, they have been eyeing six potential additions: Ole Romeny, Miliano Jonathans, Tristan Gooijer, Jairo Riedewald, Pascal Struijk, and Emil Audero. All of these players have made significant impressions in European football.
Pascal Struijk and Jairo Riedewald have both played in the English Premier League for Leeds and Crystal Palace. At present, Pascal Struijk remains with Leeds in the Championship. Emil Audero, a seasoned goalkeeper, has extensive experience in Serie A with clubs like Sampdoria, Juventus, and Inter Milan. Currently, Audero plays for Como in Serie A and has represented all levels of Italy’s youth teams from U15 to U21.
Conclusion
Southeast Asia’s most valuable team reflects both the talent of its players and the region’s growing football prowess. With a valuation of €700,000, Nguyen Xuan Son stands as a pride of Vietnamese football. Despite his current injury, his future remains promising.
