HÀ NỘI — The naturalised striker for the Vietnamese national team, Nguyễn Xuân Son, has made headlines by ranking among the top 10 goal scorers worldwide in 2024, surpassing French star Kylian Mbappe.

According to Mail Sport (UK), Son, who plays for Nam Định Club and the Vietnamese national team, has scored a total of 40 goals in all competitions, placing him eighth on the list, just ahead of Mbappe, who has 39 goals.

This recognition is not only a significant honour but also a source of motivation for Son, as he heads into 2025, where many historical milestones await him.

In addition to aiming for titles in V.League 1, the National Cup and the Asian Cup with Nam Định Club, the 27-year-old striker, of Brazilian descent, is on the verge of potentially lifting the ASEAN championship for the first time while donning the Vietnamese national jersey.

After three matches in the ASEAN Cup 2024, Son has already found the net five times, leading the tournament's scoring chart. He is also a strong contender for the title of Best Player of the tournament.

Previously, he made history as the first naturalised player to compete and score in an official tournament for the Vietnamese team during the ASEAN Cup.

The year 2024 has been particularly remarkable for Son, as he netted 35 goals for Nam Định Club across all competitions, clinched the V.League 1 championship and became the league's all-time top scorer with 31 goals in 24 matches.

Beyond his professional achievements, 2024 has been a joyful year for Son. He successfully debuted on the international stage, received accolades from Southeast Asian media and has been welcomed with immense affection from fans.

At 27, he is considered at his peak and with a burning desire for success, glory is poised to greet Son in 2025. OVN

Top 10 players with the most goals in 2024:

1. Viktor Gyokeres (62 goals)

2. Erling Haaland (49 goals)

3. Harry Kane (46 goals)

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (43 goals)

5. Wu Lei (42 goals)

6. Robert Lewandowski (42 goals)

7. Jonathan David (40 goals)

8. Nguyễn Xuân Son (40 goals)

9. Ayoub El Kaabi (40 goals)

10. Kylian Mbappe (39 goals)