Every four years, when the world’s best teams take the field, not only the participating countries but football lovers across the world plunge into festivity — and Bangladesh is no exception. It often seems that, without even taking part in the World Cup, Bangladesh rivals the big footballing nations in its football fervour. From cities to villages, a festive mood takes hold; rooftops fly the flags of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain and France; tea-stall gatherings come alive over favourite teams and players; and social media fills with argument, banter and prediction. The country’s showbiz stars are no strangers to this craze either.
Shakib Khan, the country’s top showbiz star of the moment with the largest fanbase, has kept fans eager to know which team he backs — but, unwilling to disappoint anyone, he has kept his support somewhat a mystery. Looking back, his remarks favoured Brazil in 2014, Argentina in 2018, and leaned to Argentina in 2021, with some mystery in 2022 that remains; so which team Shakib Khan backs at the 2026 World Cup is still to be seen. The current generation’s popular actor Siam Ahmed is more open: his team is Spain — an exception in a country where Brazil and Argentina supporters predominate — drawn by Spanish football’s precise passing, ball control and rhythmic attack, which he feels has an aesthetic that sets it apart.
Veteran actor Abul Hayat said in a single breath that his team is Brazil — having grown up watching Brazil, he sees it as a unique symbol of football artistry, with a beauty that easily captivates; he likes Argentina too, but Brazil is closest to his heart. For actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba, Brazil means rhythm, beauty and creativity, the samba-football tradition still enchanting him. Mehazabien Chowdhury has always supported Argentina, out of respect for other teams’ supporters too: “Football always brings something beautiful. One must enjoy the game, and I have. I support Argentina — because of Messi. I backed this team last World Cup too. My one point is that anyone may support any team; it’s not right to hurt one another over the game.” Chanchal Chowdhury, popular across both Bengals, has Argentina in his heart from childhood — a love only deepened over time, and his son follows his father as an Argentina supporter too, making the World Cup a family festival.
Actor Azizul Hakim’s story is a little different — he was not just a spectator but once a player, having played football for Victoria Sporting Club, an experience that built his love for German football; Germany’s discipline, tactics and team coordination have always impressed him. Singer Asif Akbar supports Brazil; model and actress Monalisa supports Argentina, whose on-field success brings her joy. Actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila is on the Argentina list, her love rooted in the influence of legend Diego Maradona and one of today’s best, Lionel Messi — feeling Argentina has won supporters’ hearts for the beauty of its play, not results alone. For actress Tanjika Amin, Argentina is a name of emotion; she loves taking part in football debate but has never wavered in her choice. Actor Sajal, a big football fan who follows it alongside cricket, supports Argentina, a love begun in childhood watching Maradona. Actress Naznin Niha is an Argentina fan, captivated by Messi’s play. Film actress Bidya Sinha Mim supports Brazil, the land of legend Pele, for whom she has a special weakness. Popular film actress Pori Moni loves to call herself a big Messi fan — in her words, his “crush” — so her support naturally leans to Argentina, with a plan to watch the games with family and the hope that Messi leads Argentina to another memorable success.
Beyond these, many more showbiz stars make their World Cup allegiances clear. Among Argentina supporters are Mahiya Mahi, Dipa Khandakar, Sumaiya Shimu, Nadia Ahmed, Nusraat Imroz Tisha, Salma Khanam Nadia, Nirob, Emon, Kochi Khandakar, Kishore, Kornia and Jhilik. Among Brazil supporters are popular stars including Apu Biswas, Bappy Chowdhury, Misha Sawdagor, Anisur Rahman Milon, Bappa Mazumder, Konal, Porshi and Samira Khan Mahi.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report