Following the footsteps of Sweden-based Anika Rania Siddiqui, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has now turned its attention to another British-Bangladeshi prodigy, 16-year-old forward Shaila Madina Ahmed. As part of BFF’s ongoing initiative to integrate diaspora players into the national women’s football structure, Shaila is being considered for the age-group teams before progressing to the senior squad.
Born in 2009, Shaila currently plays competitive football in England and has already made significant strides in her young career. Her talent was recognised early on, and in August 2015, she achieved a major milestone by joining the prestigious Aston Villa ‘Foundation Development Programme’ on a full scholarship. This elite academy, affiliated with the English Premier League club, is renowned globally for nurturing top-tier footballers.
Before her tenure at Aston Villa, Shaila honed her skills at Northampton Town FC Girls’ Elite Academy. During two seasons with the club’s Under-13 team, she scored 17 goals and provided 22 assists, showcasing her remarkable ability as a forward. Her exceptional performances earned her the ‘Player of the Year’ award for Northampton Town in the 2020–21 season, underscoring her rising profile in youth football.
BFF Vice-President Fahad Karim confirmed Shaila’s inclusion in the national setup, emphasising that she would initially join the age-group team rather than the senior squad. “InshaaAllah, Shaila will represent Bangladesh with the youth team. We have been in regular contact with her father. She is currently on scholarship at Aston Villa, and we have been coordinating with her family since last year,” he said.
Karim further noted that Shaila will be formally approached to participate in upcoming international tournaments. “With the SAFF Under-17 and Under-19/20 competitions on the horizon, we are hopeful that, if all goes well, she could join the squad later this year,” he added.
Shaila Madina Ahmed – Career Highlights
| Year | Age | Club / Academy | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | Aston Villa Foundation Development Programme | Full scholarship, joined elite academy |
| 2020–21 | 11–12 | Northampton Town FC Girls U13 | 17 goals, 22 assists; Player of the Year |
| 2026 | 16 | Aston Villa | Currently developing within academy; considered for Bangladesh youth team |
Shaila’s potential marks a significant step in BFF’s strategy to strengthen women’s football by tapping into talent from the global Bangladeshi community. With her technical skill, vision, and proven goal-scoring record, she could soon become a key figure in Bangladesh’s future footballing ambitions.
