On March 15, voters across the country participated in the election of National Assembly deputies of the 16th term and People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
Center-back Do Phi Long said that he was informed by SHB Da Nang club and his representative about 1 month in advance about the timing of the election in Vietnam.
After entering Vietnamese nationality, the player born in 1995 affirmed that he is clearly aware of the responsibility of a citizen and wants to directly participate in voting. Phi Long shared that exercising the right to vote makes him feel proud and excited.
According to the plan, Phi Long will participate in voting in area No. 21 in Hoa Khanh ward, Da Nang city. This is also where he is living during his time playing for the Han River team. Before the election day, local officials distributed voter ballots to him and guided the necessary procedures to participate.
Previously, this center-back completed the naturalization of Vietnamese citizenship. The decision awarding ceremony was held in Da Nang on December 11, 2025. After naturalization, Gustavo Santos officially used the Vietnamese name Do Phi Long. The player born in 1995 is currently playing for Da Nang club.
Phi Long's nationality completion process took place quite quickly, lasting only about 5 months. This time is shorter than initially predicted by many fans. During the procedures, he received support from many parties, including the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), SHB Da Nang leadership and head coach of the national team Kim Sang-sik.
After becoming a Vietnamese citizen, Phi Long also actively learned about candidates participating in the election before voting.
Of course, I have learned about the candidates. I asked Vietnamese friends, everyone in the team, neighbors and learned information through the internet. Actually, I have been in Vietnam for 8 years, it's not too strange," Phi Long said.
However, Phi Long still expressed regret about his own story: "At this time, I cannot play for the Vietnamese national team, but I am still very actively training. My lawyer is working hard to find the best solution. I hope to contribute to Vietnam as soon as possible.
Currently, he still maintains normal training and continues to pursue the goal of wearing the national team jersey. Phi Long's lawyer is working to find solutions suitable to current regulations. This player hopes to have the opportunity to contribute to Vietnamese football in the near future.
