Born in Finland to a Bangladeshi father, Tariq Kazi's passion for Bangladesh led him to return and star as a defender for the national team. Despite his Finnish upbringing, his Bangladeshi heritage always resonated with him.
Kazi's talent shone brightly, making him the first Bangladeshi footballer to compete in the Europa League. He even represented Finland at the youth level (U17, U18, U19) before choosing to play for his father's homeland. This decision meant leaving behind a comfortable life in Finland, his love for Bangladesh, symbolized by the national team's red and green colours, outweighed everything.
Now a key player for the national team, Kazi brings immense pride to his father. He thrives on the support of his parents, who instilled a love for sports in him, and his own desire to excel on the field.
He said, “Seeing me wear the national team's colours fills my parents with immense pride. Sports are a big part of Finnish culture, where parents are always cheering on their children. This fuels my desire to play at every opportunity I get.”
Since 2020, Kazi has been a mainstay for both his club, Bashundhara Kings, and the national team. Unfortunately, an ankle sprain sidelined him for several matches in early 2024, including a World Cup qualifier.
Despite this setback, Kazi is recovering quickly and determined to rejoin the national team soon. He acknowledges the challenges he faces but remains committed to overcoming them. Inspired by his father's example, Kazi aspires to serve Bangladesh for many years to come.
