Highly anticipated international debut for Leicester Academy graduate | OneFootball

Since the age of seven, Hamza Choudhury has been part of Leicester City. Growing up through the academy ranks and participating in the first team through all competitions, he's a success of the youth system in the East Midlands.

Under a number of managers, however, including Enzo Maresca, the 27-year-old hasn't been able to find a permanent role in the LCFC starting XI. Loan spells have included Burton Albion, Watford, and currently Sheffield United. Having recently come to a contract extension that is good until 2027, it's clear that management at the club sees and values his potential.

In the right system and with more consistent playing time, Choudhury can be a key contributor to a winning squad. He, furthermore, adds versatility. His skill set allows him to play as a right-back, right-wingback, or defensive midfielder. A good player on both ends, his work rate allows him to be in position to deflect opposition and win the ball back. In the attack, he is an excellent link-up player who values possession but is also more than capable of wreaking havoc, particularly when lined up on the outside.

As Choudhury was born in Loughborough, England, his first national team of choice was that of the Three Lions. The youth teams called him up, and he was part of the U21 Euro squad that also featured Demarai Gray and Harvey Barnes. While the senior team call-up never happened, he had another route to play international soccer that he is now able to take advantage of.

Although born in the United Kingdom, his mother being from Bangladesh made that country's football association seek his services for their national team. Now with a Bangladeshi passport, Choudhury received approval from FIFA at the end of last year to play for the Southeast Asian side.

Great reception for Leicester player abroad

Understandably, there is a lot of excitement among that region's fanbase. As the team prepares for AFC Cup qualification, which couples as part of the 2026 World Cup qualification, many are eager for the most known player to suit up.

It will be a tough uphill battle, but the immense outpouring for the Premier League player shows the belief that they have in Choudhury. As crowds show their outpouring of love for him, expectations and further implications are part of the conversation as well.

It's clear that Choudhury wearing the red and green will be a special moment for the nation with a population of over 175 million. For Leicester, especially considering how the season has unfolded, it remains unclear how they can't find a way to utilize his services with the first team. On the international stage, however, he'll look to show his quality as they fight for something bigger.