Rahul Giri in Shillong
Hamza Choudhury’s inclusion in the Bangladesh national football squad marked a historic moment for the country. Two decades after Zesh Rehman, who went on to play for Pakistan, a high-profile footballer who has played in the English Premier League (EPL), will turn out for a SAARC nation. Choudhury is currently on loan at Sheffield United from Leicester City, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2021.
It’s a moment of immense pride for all Bangladeshis, but no one is prouder than Hamza’s parents. “Of course, it’s a great feeling,” said Hamza’s mother, Rafiath Choudhury, with a proud smile. “He played in the Premier League for so long, and now he’s with Sheffield United. Inshallah, he will return to the Premier League again. Now that he is playing for Bangladesh, it means his wish has been fulfilled. And when that happened, we were very happy. It’s a matter of great pride for us.”
Born in Loughborough, Leicestershire, to a Grenadian father and a Bangladeshi mother, Hamza was raised in a traditional Bangladeshi Muslim household by his mother and stepfather. He has visited Bangladesh a few times since childhood, with his maternal ancestral home in Bahubal, Habiganj District. His arrival in Bangladesh last week was celebrated with immense fanfare.
The excitement followed him to Shillong, where Bangladesh will face India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Over 40 Bangladeshi reporters have arrived in the city to cover the game. On Monday, a day before the highly anticipated match, Hamza’s family, including his wife, children, mother, and stepfather, watched him train with the national team.
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Expectations are soaring with Hamza’s inclusion in the squad. However, his parents believe he can handle the pressure. “I think there is a lot of pressure because he’s human,” they said. “When people hold you to a certain standard, maintaining that can be hard. He’s not some other being; he’s just human. We all have faults, and we all have strengths. Hopefully, he is strong-minded, has a good heart, and can bring positivity to everyone.”
A decade ago, Hamza’s parents could only dream of such a remarkable moment. They supported his passion for football, never imagining he would become a national hero. “When Hamza started playing football, his passion was undeniable, and we nurtured it,” said Rafiath. “We gave him opportunities and took him to training. We never assumed he would become a professional footballer, especially knowing how rare it is for South Asian players to make it, with less than 1 per cent of academy players earning professional contracts.
“But his dedication and love for the sport made all the difference. If you have passion and determination, you can achieve anything. In Hamza’s case, football drove him forward. With that belief, no dream is too far out of reach.”
Hamza’s perseverance paid off as he played for Leicester City’s youth teams, Burton Albion, and the England U-21 national team, before securing a professional contract with Leicester City FC. His journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers from similar backgrounds. “Hamza often says that the underdogs, the ones people underestimate, will win,” said his mother. “And when they do, it’s a victory for everyone who shares a similar journey. His story sends a powerful message across Asia, encouraging others to break barriers. It shows that no one should be held back just because someone says they can’t succeed.”
“A Historic Moment for the whole continent” – Hamza Choudhury’s parents Speak on Hamza remarkable inclusion with the National Team his Passion & Football Dreams.@ShrachiSports @HamzaChoudhury1 @Rahul_01Giri #INDBAN #IndianFootball @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/bpBBdUmHMf
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 24, 2025
Hamza’s stepfather, Dewan Murshid Choudhury, played a pivotal role in convincing him to represent Bangladesh. “I can’t express that feeling in words,” Dewan said, overwhelmed by the nation’s warm reception. “I never imagined he would receive so much love and respect.”
Now, with the big game against India approaching, the excitement is palpable. On paper, India are the favourites, ranked 126th compared to Bangladesh’s 185. However, with Hamza’s presence, hopes are high for an upset. His parents remain optimistic. “Whatever happens tomorrow, I hope it’s a good day,” they said. “I hope everyone enjoys it and it’s a great match.”
They also urged fans on both sides to set aside their differences and support Hamza’s journey. “It’s important not to build barriers between ourselves,” said his mother, with hope and pride in her voice. “Whether it’s India or Bangladesh, we’re all people with the same hearts and dreams. That’s what Hamza believes in. Hopefully, India has good wishes for him too.”
Also Read: India’s Secret Training Session in Shillong Ahead of High-Voltage Bangladesh Clash