Nam Dinh FC continues to part ways with foreign players

Steel Xanh Nam Dinh FC continues its squad overhaul after the 2025/26 season, which yielded unsatisfactory results.

This morning, June 25, Steel Xanh Nam Dinh FC announced the departure of center-back Lucas Alves. Joining the club in February 2024, Lucas Alves quickly established himself as a solid defensive anchor. The Brazilian defender always played with professionalism, passion, and full commitment every minute he was on the pitch.

Not only solid in defense, Lucas Alves also made his mark in attack with crucial goals that contributed to positive results for the team.

During his time with Steel Xanh Nam Dinh, Lucas Alves experienced the club's golden era, winning two consecutive V-League titles in 2023/24 and 2024/25, the 2024 National Super Cup, and also taking part in the team's journey in the AFC Champions League Two and Shopee Cup.

"I love Steel Xanh Nam Dinh FC. I love the land of Nam Dinh. My son was also born here. My time with Steel Xanh Nam Dinh was truly beautiful."

These simple yet heartfelt words from Lucas Alves reflect his deep affection for his time with the Nam Dinh club.

Following respectful and goodwill discussions, Steel Xanh Nam Dinh and Lucas Alves have mutually agreed to conclude their journey together to pursue new goals in the future.

Steel Xanh Nam Dinh FC sincerely thanks Lucas Alves for his immense contributions, tireless fighting spirit, professionalism, and the memorable moments he brought to the club and its fans.

The departure of Lucas Alves is part of Steel Xanh Nam Dinh's squad rebuilding plan after the 2025/26 season. The club has bid farewell to several foreign players who were part of its domestic and international campaigns, including Percy Tau, Mitchell Dijks, Njabulo Blom, Arnaud Lusamba, Kyle Hudlin, Caique, Walber, and Lucas Alves. This move aims to streamline the squad and prepare for the 2026/27 season with new objectives and ambitions.

Although many familiar faces have left, Lucas Alves remains the most memorable. Besides his major role in two consecutive V-League titles, the Brazilian center-back became a symbol of fighting spirit and dedication in Steel Xanh Nam Dinh colors. His fearless tackles, crucial goals, and image as a responsible leader will forever be cherished memories for the club's supporters in Nam Dinh.

Every farewell brings regret. But as Lucas Alves himself once said, football is always about new journeys. For Steel Xanh Nam Dinh, that journey will forever bear the mark of the Brazilian center-back's contributions as an integral part of the club's most successful era in history.