Hamza Dewan Choudhury made his competitive breakthrough for Leicester City on 19 September 2017, appearing as a substitute in an EFL Cup victory over Liverpool. A versatile defensive midfielder, he spent over two decades with the club, contributing to an FA Cup title in 2021 before eventually transitioning his international allegiance to the Bangladesh national team in 2024.
Early Career and Development
Born in 1997 in Loughborough, Choudhury began his association with Leicester City Academy at the age of seven in 2005. He attended Bushloe High School while developing his skills, drawing attention from various top European clubs by the age of 16. To gain match experience, he moved on loan to Burton Albion, debuting in the Football League on 27 February 2016 during a scoreless draw with Walsall. He returned to Burton for the 2016–17 season, participating in the club's inaugural Championship campaign.
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After establishing himself in the first team during the 2017–18 season, Choudhury signed a four-year contract extension in 2019. He secured a significant milestone on 1 January 2020 by scoring his first senior goal against Newcastle United. Later that year, he made history by becoming the first footballer of Bangladeshi descent to play in a European competition during a match against Zorya Luhansk. He further distinguished himself by scoring against AEK Athens in October 2020, becoming the first British Asian to score in the current UEFA club competitions. His tenure at Leicester ended in 2026 after a 21-year association, marked by a final move to Sheffield United.
International Transitions
Choudhury initially represented England at the under-21 level, participating in the 2018 Toulon Tournament and the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Italy. His trajectory changed in 2024 when he initiated the process to represent Bangladesh. After obtaining a Bangladeshi passport in August 2024 and receiving clearance from the English Football Association, he switched his international allegiance in December 2024. He made his debut for Bangladesh in March 2025 against India and scored his first international goal three months later in a victory over Bhutan.
Personal Life and Conduct
A follower of Sunni Islam, Choudhury attended madrasa classes during his youth and maintains a religious routine of reciting parts of the Qur'an before matches. His career has faced scrutiny regarding off-pitch conduct, including a 2019 fine for historical social media posts and a 2024 conviction for drunk driving, which resulted in a £20,000 fine. In 2024, he received the Sports Personality of the Year honour at the Asian Achievers Awards.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 October 1997, Loughborough
- Primary Position: Defensive Midfielder
- FA Cup Winner: 2021
- Senior International Debut: 25 March 2025
- Languages: English, Sylheti
- Education: Bushloe High School
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Bangladesh
Questions readers ask
Which international team does Hamza Choudhury represent?
After representing England at the under-21 level, he officially switched his allegiance to the Bangladesh national team in December 2024.
What is his connection to Leicester City?
Choudhury joined the Leicester City Academy in 2005 and remained with the club for 21 years until his departure in 2026.
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