‘BFF Next Global Star’ talent hunt to run from 28–30 June

A significant talent identification programme for expatriate footballers is set to take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka from 28 to 30 June.

Inspired by the journeys of players like Hamza Choudhury and growing interest in talents such as Shamit Shome, Fahamedul Islam, and Cuba Mitchell, the trial – titled "BFF Next Global Star" – aims to unearth footballers of Bangladeshi origin currently based overseas.

A total of 52 players from 14 different countries have registered to take part. The largest contingent, 20 players, hails from the United Kingdom, followed by 14 from the United States, five from Sweden, and two from Canada. Other participating countries include Finland, Belgium, Wales, Italy, Malaysia, Estonia, Spain, Australia, Ireland, and Austria.

Eligible participants must be aged between 14 and 27, with the primary focus on the U-17, U-19, and U-23 categories.

The trials will be conducted under the guidance of a five-member coaching panel, led by BFF technical director Saiful Bari Titu. He will be joined by top domestic club coaches and former national players who currently serve on the BFF's executive committee. Bangladesh national team head coach Javier Cabrera is also expected to attend in an observational capacity.

Though the initiative has been in discussion for some time, it was officially unveiled at a press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday. BFF vice-president and chairman of the development committee, Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, expressed strong optimism about the project. He stated that the programme is designed to strengthen ties between Bangladesh and footballers of Bangladeshi heritage living abroad, while also reassuring that homegrown players will not be overlooked.