Summary:
- Hamza Choudhury, a Leicester City midfielder with Bangladeshi roots, has officially pledged to play for Bangladesh, becoming the first Premier League-experienced player to represent the nation.
- The 27-year-old aims to elevate Bangladesh’s FIFA ranking and help develop football infrastructure to produce domestic talent capable of competing internationally.
- Choudhury, who grew up visiting his family in Habiganj, hopes to inspire young players and create pathways for Bangladeshis into top European leagues.
- With his Bangladeshi passport and FIFA clearance secured, Choudhury is set to debut in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers under coach Javier Cabrera.
Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has officially pledged his international football allegiance to Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone for the South Asian nation. Born in Loughborough, England, to a Bangladeshi mother and Grenadian father, the 27-year-old Premier League player is set to become the first Bangladeshi-origin footballer with top-flight European experience to represent the country.
Choudhury, who has been capped seven times by England at the U-21 level, announced his decision after years of deliberation. “It’s something I’ve always had in the back of my mind,” he said. “I’d like to represent Bangladesh — and more importantly, its people. I hope my decision will bring exposure to Bangladeshi football and inspire others.”
The move comes amidst Bangladesh’s struggles in international football; the national team recently finished last in their World Cup qualifying group and currently ranks 185th in FIFA’s global standings. Choudhury’s inclusion is seen as a beacon of hope for reviving the sport in a cricket-dominated country.
Choudhury’s connection with Bangladesh runs deep. He frequently visited his family in Habiganj during his childhood, where he witnessed life in rural farming villages. These experiences shaped his perspective and strengthened his bond with his heritage. “It taught me gratitude and gave me an appreciation for different ways of life,” he reflected.
Now a father of three, Choudhury wants his children to experience the same cultural richness. His decision to play for Bangladesh is not just about football; it’s about fostering a legacy. He aims to work with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to develop infrastructure that can nurture local talent capable of competing on international stages.
“Football is their main passion,” Choudhury explained. “But they haven’t had the infrastructure to grow players who can reach European leagues. I hope I can help change that.”
Choudhury’s journey to representing Bangladesh wasn’t straightforward. After obtaining a Bangladeshi passport earlier this year, he required clearance from both the English FA and FIFA, which was successfully secured in recent months. His debut is anticipated during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where Bangladesh faces regional rivals such as India.
The midfielder brings a wealth of experience from Leicester City, where he has played nearly 200 senior games since joining their academy at age seven. Notably, he was part of Leicester’s historic 2021 FA Cup-winning squad and has also competed in European tournaments.
Choudhury’s arrival could be transformative for Bangladeshi football. The current squad, coached by Spaniard Javier Cabrera, lacks players with international exposure; most play domestically, with captain Jamal Bhuyan being an exception due to his stint in Denmark. Choudhury’s Premier League pedigree is expected to elevate team performance and inspire younger generations.
“I want to open channels for more Bangladeshis to play in top leagues,” Choudhury stated. “This isn’t just about me playing; it’s about creating pathways for others.”
Fans have already embraced him as a national icon. For years, they flooded his social media with messages urging him to play for Bangladesh. Now that their wish has come true, expectations are high.
Despite the optimism surrounding Choudhury’s inclusion, challenges remain. The BFF has faced criticism over its management and lack of progress in developing football nationwide. Fan groups have called for leadership reforms within the federation, citing corruption and inefficiency as barriers to success.
However, Choudhury remains focused on his mission: “The Federation has been doing good work recently, but I hope my European outlook can add value.”
As he prepares for his debut in 2025 against India, Choudhury symbolizes a new chapter for Bangladeshi football — one where international experience meets grassroots passion. Whether this will lead to long-term success remains uncertain, but for now, fans have every reason to dream big.
