‘I’ve followed Brazil since childhood’: Jamal relives Ronaldo-era World Cup memories

Bangladesh football team captain Jamal Bhuiyan said his lifelong support for Brazil was reignited as he came face to face with the FIFA World Cup trophy in Dhaka, describing the experience as emotional, inspiring and deeply personal.

The iconic trophy arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday morning as part of the “FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola”, landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a special flight. 

Legendary Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva, a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, accompanied the trophy. It was received by Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal alongside Jamal Bhuiyan before being escorted under tight security to the Radisson Blu Hotel.

“Honestly, the experience was amazing,” Jamal said. “Gilberto came with the World Cup trophy, so this was my first time seeing the World Cup trophy in person. I felt really good.”

Jamal admitted that seeing the trophy up close left him awestruck, both by its presence and its physical stature.

“I actually thought the trophy was small, but it’s much bigger than it looks,” he said. “I also asked about the weight, and it’s almost seven kilograms of pure gold. So the experience was very special, and I was a bit star-struck.”

The moment carried extra significance for Jamal because of his long-standing admiration for Brazil, a bond formed in his early years as a football fan.

“I’ve supported Brazil since childhood because my first favourite player was Ronaldo,” Jamal said. “Especially the 2002 team inspired me a lot because I was 12 years old at that time.”

“That team had Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and of course Gilberto as well,” he said.

Jamal added that seeing the trophy in person was far more powerful than watching it on television.

“Seeing the trophy on TV is one thing, but seeing it in front of you is completely different,” he said. “It’s almost like you can touch the trophy.”

While Jamal acknowledged his natural support for Denmark, the country of his birth, his affection for Brazil remains strong.

“Of course, I support Denmark because that’s where I was born,” he said. “But if Denmark can’t do it, then of course I would want Brazil to lift it.”

Beyond personal emotion, Jamal believes the World Cup trophy’s visit to Bangladesh can serve as inspiration for aspiring footballers across the country.

“Since the trophy has come to Bangladesh, let this be an inspiration for all footballers who want to work hard and practise,” he said. “For the new generation, maybe one day Bangladesh itself can write a chapter in the World Cup.”

Silva shared his pleasure in accompanying the iconic trophy to Bangladesh.

"It's a great pleasure to be here in Bangladesh, my first time here. And... thanks for the very warm welcome. On behalf of FIFA, Mr. President Gianni Infantino, Coca-Cola, and thank you for hosting us. It’s a great... it’s a great time, you know. I think coming here to Bangladesh and bring the original trophy, you know, of the World Cup, the iconic trophy, it's something very inspiring," he said.

"It keeps inspiring me, you know, until today every time when I have an opportunity to see the trophy and see it close like as we are right now, inspires me again to keep moving forward and enjoy as much football as I can," he added.