“Every Child Wants to Make Their Parents Proud” — Hamza Choudhury Reflects on His Journey with Bangladesh
Hamza Choudhury has arrived in Bangladesh for the fourth time, once again receiving a warm and enthusiastic welcome from fans and the media. The Leicester City captain, who represents Bangladesh on the international stage, officially signed as the brand ambassador for Robi Axiata at an event held in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Monday morning.
As soon as Hamza entered the Robi headquarters, he was surrounded by journalists and supporters eager to greet him. Many approached for a handshake, others for a quick selfie — and through it all, Hamza remained his calm, smiling self, never showing a hint of irritation despite the crowd.
Speaking to reporters, Hamza expressed his gratitude for the affection he receives in Bangladesh, saying:
“The love I get here means a lot to me. I try to cherish it and share that warmth with everyone. It makes me want to come back again and again. Every time I leave, my kids say they want to return to Bangladesh. Inshallah, they’ll be back in March.”
🇧🇩 Hamza’s Role in Bangladesh Football
Hamza made his international debut for Bangladesh in March 2024, during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India in Shillong. The match ended in a goalless draw, marking the beginning of Bangladesh’s qualifying campaign. Since then, Hamza has played five matches for the national team, including a friendly against Bhutan.
Bangladesh are set to play their final Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore on 18 November. Before that, they will face Nepal in a friendly at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on 13 November.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 November | Nepal (Friendly) | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka | 8:00 PM |
| 18 November | Singapore (Asian Cup Qualifier) | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka | 8:00 PM |
⚽ From Premier League to National Pride
Now 27, Hamza has already achieved what many footballers dream of. He has played in the English Premier League and now captains Leicester City in the EFL Championship. For Bangladesh, he proudly wears the Number 8 shirt — a number that has become symbolic for fans across the country.
When asked about his motivation, Hamza replied:
“Every child wants to make their parents proud.”
Born in England but deeply connected to his roots in Bahubal, Habiganj (Sylhet), Hamza added,
“My father was born and raised in Bangladesh. Seeing that smile on my parents’ faces means everything to me. Every son wants to make his parents proud — and I feel fortunate that I can make an entire nation proud.”
🇧🇩 The Hamza Effect: Football Revived
Hamza’s presence has brought renewed energy to Bangladeshi football. His leadership and charisma have inspired young players and reignited public enthusiasm for the sport. During a recent match, 18,300 tickets sold out in just three minutes, proving that the passion for football is well and truly alive again.
As Bangladesh looks ahead to its upcoming fixtures, Hamza remains a symbol of unity, pride, and hope — not just for the footballing community, but for the nation as a whole.
“It still feels surreal sometimes,” Hamza admitted. “I just want to be part of this country, to represent it in any way I can — especially for my parents. That’s the greatest honour.”
