With nearly 50 players participating, the first day of Bangladesh’s “Next Global Star” trial reveals glimpses of talent and positive mindset, offering hope for the future of the national team.

The journey to discover the next generation of Bangladeshi footballers officially began today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, with the launch of the “Next Global Star” trial program. Modeled after the paths taken by current national players like Jamal Bhuiyan, Hamza, and Shamit, this initiative seeks to identify and groom players with international exposure and potential for wearing the red and green jersey of Bangladesh in the coming years.

On the opening day, a total of 48 players participated in two separate sessions—morning and afternoon—under the guidance of national and foreign coaches. The trial is scheduled to continue for two more days, offering selectors more time to assess the players’ performance and adaptability.

Danish expatriate and trial coordinator Sakib Mahmud shared his insights on the first day's proceedings. “We had almost 50 players across two sessions today. It’s difficult to fully judge each individual’s potential in such a short time, especially after just one session. However, we are quite encouraged by what we saw,” he said.

According to Mahmud, the players displayed a strong desire to prove themselves. “The attitude of the participants was really impressive. They’re all working hard, and their mindset is positive. We’ve already spotted a few players who stand out for their tactical intelligence. We’ll need more sessions to properly evaluate them, but the early signs are promising,” he added.

The trials are not only an opportunity for the players but also a platform that engages coaches and technical staff from across the football ecosystem. “One of the most satisfying things is that everyone—from the players to the coaches—is enjoying the process. It feels like we’ve taken a good step toward building a sustainable program for the future of football in Bangladesh,” Mahmud said.

Veteran goalkeeper and former national team player Saeed Hasan Kanan, who currently serves as the goalkeeping coach at Mohammedan SC, was also present during the trials. Sharing his observations, Kanan emphasized the need for patience and long-term planning.

“Making conclusions after just one day is difficult,” Kanan stated. “Many of these players have traveled long distances, and the weather conditions today were particularly challenging. Even so, I saw that most of them had a strong sense of the game. Their understanding of positioning, ball control, and game awareness is good.”

However, Kanan pointed out an area of concern—fitness. “Some players are slightly behind in terms of fitness levels. That’s understandable, considering the travel fatigue and the heat. But with a proper training regimen, they can definitely improve. What matters is that there’s potential. If we give them time and proper guidance, some of them could develop into quality players for the national team,” he explained.

The trials have brought together young footballers with diverse backgrounds, especially those from the Bangladeshi diaspora. With exposure to different playing styles and training methods from abroad, these players offer a blend of local roots and global techniques, which could significantly enhance the tactical and technical capabilities of the national team.

Organizers of the trial program believe this initiative could become a regular feature in the national football development calendar, potentially revolutionizing how Bangladesh scouts and nurtures talent. The hope is to build a broader, more competitive pool of players who can compete not just in South Asia but on larger continental and even global stages.

The remaining two days of the trial are expected to include more structured evaluations, including tactical drills, mini-matches, and individual assessments. Based on overall performance, a shortlist of players will be selected for further training and development under the national program.

As Bangladesh continues its search for footballing excellence, programs like “Next Global Star” may well lay the foundation for a more professional and competitive football culture. The early signs from Day One suggest that there is indeed a wealth of untapped talent—ready to be harnessed, refined, and eventually showcased on the international stage.