Kyle Colonna, a prominent defender for Viettel FC, has officially received his Vietnamese citizenship, adopting the name Luong Chi Khai. This significant milestone was announced on the official website of the Office of the President of Vietnam. Colonna's successful naturalization comes as a boost for the Vietnam national football team as they prepare for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

Colonna, born in 1999 and standing nearly 1.90 meters tall, has a diverse background with an American father and a Vietnamese mother of Chinese descent. Since arriving in Vietnam, he has expressed a strong desire to become a citizen, frequently inquiring with teammates and coaches about the process. His ambition has now been realized, allowing him to contribute to the national team.

Under the guidance of coach Velizar Popov, Colonna has become an integral part of Viettel's defense. Last season, he played over 20 matches, scoring one goal and providing an assist. His defensive capabilities have been highly praised, averaging 10.8 ball recoveries per match along with impressive statistics in duels and aerial challenges.

Colonna's recent performances have set high expectations as he prepares to compete in the upcoming ASEAN Cup. His debut with the national team is highly anticipated, especially after his standout performance in the opening match of the season, where he scored a goal and received an impressive rating of 8.6.

As Vietnam gears up for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, the addition of Luong Chi Khai is expected to enhance the team's defensive options, alongside established players like Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Thanh Chung. The national team looks forward to leveraging Colonna's skills and experience in their quest for success in the tournament.