Kyle Colonna, a towering defender standing at 1.88 meters, has successfully obtained Vietnamese citizenship, allowing him to represent Vietnam in international football. The announcement was made on September 11, as Colonna, now known as Lương Chí Khải, prepares to join the national team for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

The 24-year-old defender, born in the United States to an American father and a Vietnamese mother, has made significant strides in his football career. Before moving to Vietnam, he captained the San Diego State University team and later signed a professional contract with New Mexico United. Colonna began his professional journey in Vietnam with Hanoi FC in 2024 but truly shone after transferring to Viettel FC, where he became a key player under coach Velizar Popov.

Colonna's impressive performance last season included an average of 10.8 ball recoveries per match, along with 6.5 successful duels and 2.4 aerial duels. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he earned a spot in the V-League's best XI for the previous season.

With the FIFA ASEAN Cup approaching, head coach Kim Sang Sik now has more options for the defensive lineup, which already includes players like Đoàn Văn Hậu and Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh. Colonna's naturalization is seen as a significant boost for the Vietnamese national team as they prepare for the tournament.