In a country where football fans have long craved a new hero, Hamza Choudhury has arrived—not with swagger, but with a smile.

The English Premier League midfielder, currently with Sheffield United, touched down in Bangladesh with little more than a two-day visit planned to his ancestral home in Habiganj. But what followed was a national embrace. From heartfelt welcomes in rural Sylhet to a packed stadium in the Asian Cup Qualifiers clash against India, Hamza became the beacon of hope for a football-hungry nation.

Yet, it wasn't just his skills on the pitch that won hearts—it was his character.

Bangladesh cricket star Liton Das summed it up in a simple yet touching social media post. Sharing a picture with Hamza, Liton wrote: "It was wonderful to meet Hamza Choudhury—such a humble person & what a player! Hoping for a brighter future for Bangladesh football with him in the team."

That one word—humble—has echoed through every corner of Bangladesh's football fraternity.

Sohel Rana, one of Bangladesh's most experienced midfielders, couldn't help but be amazed by how seamlessly Hamza blended in. "He has adapted to the team very quickly—it feels like he has been playing with us for a long time," Sohel said. "Despite being an English Premier League player, he has no ego. He is a good person and never ignores us. Every player should have the qualities that Hamza has."

From the dressing room to training grounds, his presence has felt more like a long-lost teammate returning home than a star guest from one of football's biggest stages.

The humility wasn't just felt by the seniors. Young forward Sheikh Morsalin shared a quiet but telling detail. "As we wear No. 7 and No. 8 jerseys, our rooms were also next to each other. He provided me with a lot of information, which he also did with the other players. It never felt like Hamza is an English Premier League player because he has no ego."

Hamza's own words during a press conference reflected the same spirit. "We are a great nation. We can achieve anything if we put in the hard work and respect the process. There's no rush—we have time, Inshallah. I'll be playing for Bangladesh for years," he said with a calm assurance.

What truly sets Hamza apart is his eagerness to learn. "I come from a different league and style of play, but these players—like Jamal—have far more international experience. That counts for a lot. I'm here to learn from them too."

At a time when Bangladesh football has been struggling to rediscover its pulse, Hamza's presence—both as a player and as a person—feels like a revival. The goalless draw against India in the Asian Cup Qualifier may not have lit up the scoreboard, but it was enough to show one thing clearly: Bangladesh football is finally dreaming again.

And as Hamza left for England today, the entire football fraternity will wait for his return—with hope in their hearts and faith in the future he represents.