In the scorching afternoon of April, BFF vice-president Fahad Karim brought a shower of relieving news for Bangladesh’s football supporters. Following Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome, the process of bringing American-born forward Trevor Islam into the national squad has now reached its final stage. Through an official announcement on social media on Friday, Fahad Karim confirmed that the work of preparing Trevor’s birth registration has already been completed, and a strong possibility has emerged of seeing this talented forward in the Bangladesh jersey by 2027.
Who is Trevor Islam?
21-year-old Trevor Islam was born in California, United States, and is currently studying at the world-renowned Stanford University. His father, Selim Hossain, was a resident of Narsingdi, Bangladesh, whilst his mother, Karen Hoyer, is an American citizen. Alongside his studies, he plays regularly in the NCAA Division I league for Stanford Cardinal. Although he primarily plays in the centre forward position, he is equally proficient as both a left and right winger. Those concerned believe that Trevor could play a significant role in satisfying the national squad’s long-standing goal drought in the attacking third.
Speaking to Times of Bangladesh, Fahad Karim said, “Stanford is not merely one of America’s top institutions, but one of the world’s leading educational establishments. Playing in Division I alongside one’s studies means his footballing talent is beyond question. From the moment we heard of him, his outstanding talent caught our attention.”
How Did This Come About?
The entire process began on 12th December of last year, when Trevor himself contacted the BFF vice-president via WhatsApp. Prior to this, Sharif Ahmed, the father of current national squad member Zayan Ahmed, had informed Fahad Karim from America about Trevor’s interest. Since then, the process has moved forward rapidly. On 18th February of this year, Trevor’s birth registration along with the necessary family documentation was prepared. His passport work is currently under way and is expected to be in hand by May, with preparations for completing his biometrics at the Bangladesh Consulate Office in Los Angeles also finalised.
When Might He Be Seen in the Red-Green Jersey?
The matter is not so straightforward that Trevor will be able to take to the pitch the moment he receives his passport. Due to his strict commitment to Stanford University’s NCAA league and academic pressures, he is unable to come during the March or June window of 2026. Fahad Karim told Times of Bangladesh, “Trevor has frankly told me that coming in September will also be difficult for him. However, he is somewhat hopeful regarding the November window. We do not wish to place any pressure upon him. We are keeping his documentation ready so that he may join the squad the moment he is prepared.”
The BFF vice-president added that every effort is also being made to bring Trevor into the squad before SAFF. However, should the November window also prove difficult, it has been confirmed that Trevor Islam will be seen regularly in the Bangladesh jersey from the beginning of 2027.
What Role Will He Play?
Fahad Karim does not wish to engage in any tactical analysis just yet regarding Trevor’s precise role in the national squad. However, speaking to Times of Bangladesh, he remained highly optimistic, saying, “Trevor’s prolific and natural forward persona could prove to be a blessing for the current side. The final decision on what his role on the pitch will be shall be taken by the technical staff.” He particularly highlighted Trevor’s finishing ability and his experience of competitive football abroad as his greatest assets.
From Jamal Bhuiyan and Tariq Kazi to Hamza Choudhury, the inclusion of expatriate players in the Bangladesh national squad has become a regular and welcome occurrence. With Trevor Islam now set to follow in their footsteps, football experts are already seeing a ray of hope that this Stanford star will prove to be a wonderful addition to the red-green attacking line.
