Former Argentina forward Claudio Caniggia, who played alongside Diego Maradona, visited Fortis Resort in Dhaka on Monday as part of a programme involving young footballers.
Caniggia arrived at the venue at around 4pm. Despite the rain he attended the grand final of the Dhaka Interschool Champions League 2026 at Fortis Downtown Resort and Grounds, presented awards and spoke to the media.
The former Argentina international discussed Bangladesh’s support for Argentine football, the country’s chances of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup and several aspects of his playing career.
Caniggia said he was familiar with the strong support Argentina receives in Bangladesh.
“I was not surprised because this support started when Diego Maradona was playing in 1986. I saw on television how people here celebrated Argentina’s victories,” he said.
“Many big teams have supporters around the world, but I have not seen supporters as passionate as those in Bangladesh. It is a great feeling to see so many people in a country supporting a foreign team.”
On Bangladesh’s prospects of reaching the 2030 World Cup, Caniggia acknowledged that qualification would be difficult but said the country could aim for it with the right support.
“Qualifying for the World Cup is always difficult. But I hope Bangladesh can improve in the same way other teams have over the past 10 or 20 years. Why shouldn’t Bangladesh think about playing in the World Cup?” he said.
He added that government support, quality coaching and improving players’ mental strength would be important.
Caniggia also stressed the value of Bangladeshi players gaining experience in European football. He referred to Hamza Choudhury, who has played in the English Premier League.
“Having a player who plays in the English Premier League is a great thing. Playing in Europe’s best competitions gives players experience that can help the team develop,” he said.
Caniggia also spoke about his close friendship with Maradona. Asked about their well-known goal celebration involving a kiss, he described it as simply a friendly gesture.
Asked whether he would consider working with Bangladesh’s national team, Caniggia said he had not received an official offer but would consider one if it arrived.
“I have not received any official offer yet. But if one comes, I will certainly think about it. It is always enjoyable to work with a team that wants to move forward,” he said.
Fortis FC president Shahin Hasan said Caniggia’s visit and his interaction with the club’s youth academy would be a source of motivation for young players.
IFAD Group CEO Arif Zaman called on corporate organisations to support football development and encourage young people to take part in outdoor sports.
Argentina’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcelo Carlos Cesa, also attended the event.
In the final of Dhaka Interschool Champions League 2026, Noubahini School beat BIT School by 3-0 goal margin. Caniggia handed the trophy to young talents from both the schools.
