Sensational Shopna rewriting the rules

Most athletes gain recognition after shining in the national colours. For Shopna Akter Jili, the order was reversed. Long before she played a key role in Bangladesh securing the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Thailand earlier this year, the teenage goalkeeper from Mymensingh had already become a phenomenon on rural football grounds. In local exhibition tournaments -- popularly known as “khyap” matches -- she drew crowds wherever she went. Videos of her reflex saves and lively personality spread widely online, earning her the nickname “Viral Shopna”. A college student, Shopna grew up in a large family of seven siblings and is the only sportsperson among them. Her football journey began in 2017, and after showing early signs of potential she first caught wider media attention when she was selected as one of three girls to train in Portugal in 2022. Along the way, she has also navigated the patriarchal mindset that often surrounds girls’ participation in sport in rural Bangladesh, doing so with confidence and flair.

In a wide-ranging conversation with The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman and Khalid Hossain, Shopna reflects on her unusual path as she balances the realities of fame and responsibility at just 18, while reshaping perceptions of what girls can achieve and how. Excerpts from the exclusive interview follow:

The Daily Star (DS): How were you discovered as a goalkeeper for the SAFF Futsal Championship?

Shopna Akter Jhili (SAJ): [Matsushima] Sumaya apu searched for my number in many places before finally finding me. At the time I was playing in a tournament in northern Bangladesh. She told me Bangladesh was forming a new futsal team and encouraged me to join.

DS: But you were reluctant at first.

SAJ: I did not understand futsal and felt I might not be able to adjust because the court seemed very small. Even after watching videos on YouTube, I had doubts. But after Sumaiya apu insisted and reassured me, I joined the camp. At first the rules -- especially about throwing the ball by hand -- were difficult, but after about ten days of practice I understood everything.

DS: What was the competition like in the camp?

SAJ: Initially there were seven or eight goalkeepers. Gradually the number was reduced through competition until the final squad for Thailand was chosen. The first month was very tough -- we were under constant pressure and sometimes did not even get proper food or sleep. I just tried to give my maximum effort to hold my place.

DS: How does it feel to be credited alongside stars like Sabina Khatun and Krishna Rani Sarkar for the SAFF futsal triumph?

SAJ: It was a matter of luck for me to play alongside such seniors. They supported me a lot. If I made a mistake, they did not blame me but encouraged and helped me improve.

DS: How easy was it to adjust alongside the big names?

SAJ: Despite being senior players, they have no ego and treat everyone warmly. That made it easy for me to adjust. Masura [Parvin] apu was my roommate. Many people are afraid of her, but she is actually very kind-hearted.

DS: How did your football journey begin?

SAJ: When I was studying at Nandail Panchrukhi Primary School, our senior team suddenly lost their goalkeeper. I used to play often, so a teacher asked me to try the position, and I gladly agreed. Our team later became champions in 2017, and many players from that team have gone on to play at higher levels.

DS: Did your family face criticism for allowing you to play?

SAJ: Some local people used to call my brother and say negative things, so initially he created some obstacles. But my father, mother and elder siblings always supported me, allowing me to continue.

DS: Have you faced negativity from coaches or officials?

SAJ: Some people have helped me a lot, but others have spoken negatively behind my back or spread rumours to hinder my progress. There were even attempts to push me out of the national team through false accusations, but instead of giving up, I decided to answer through my performance.

DS: You are hugely popular on social media. Why do you think people connect with you?

SAJ: Receiving people’s love is really a matter of luck. I have about 612,000 followers on my Facebook profile, 625,000 on my page, and my YouTube channel is close to 100,000 subscribers. When spectators ask for photos, it feels good. Even if I am tired, I try to take selfies to respect their feelings. Altogether I have around three million followers, but I have not monetised my social media yet.

DS: Your fashion sense also makes you stand out.

SAJ: I have liked dressing up since childhood and enjoy grooming myself. But after joining futsal I feel it is better to stay simpler.

DS: Tell us something about your experience with the national football team.

Jili: I was in the senior team under Saiful Bari Titu in 2023 and also played for the Under-16 team in 2024. I was with the main team in Singapore and was also part of the 23-member squad that became champions in Nepal.

DS: You have played in many districts. Have you ever faced problems?

SAJ: I cannot even count how many districts I have played in. In places like Bogura and Nilphamari the crowd and organisation were wonderful, but once in Sirajganj the crowd was so big that I became quite scared. The biggest problem happened in Kushtia when spectators came too close to the field, and there were also some disruptive boys. Only five minutes of the match were played before organisers moved me to a safe location.

DS: How do you ensure security when travelling for matches?

SAJ: Most people in northern Bangladesh know me now. I still try to tag along a trusted female figure to accompany me and set conditions about proper safety and arrangements before agreeing to play anywhere. At the venue, usually other female players surround me, while organisers and police help manage security.

DS: How much do you earn from playing “khyap” games?

SAJ: I receive about 20,000 taka per match. My elder brothers mainly support the family, but whenever I can, I also help financially. Earlier I used to get five or six request calls every day, but it is not possible to play daily. I usually play with a few days’ gap and try to schedule matches in nearby areas. Now I usually decline such offers.

DS: What do you do when someone from an unknown number calls you with an offer?

SAJ: I first verify who they are and how they got my number and confirm that a match is actually happening.

DS: How has life changed after becoming a champion?

SAJ: Sometimes I am sleeping at home and four or five women enter my room just to see me once. Managing such attention can be difficult, but it’s a big achievement for me. Before, I could move around freely and sometimes felt aimless. Now, as a national team player, I feel much more responsibility and think carefully before making decisions.

DS: What advice would you give young girls who want to play football?

SAJ: Family support is extremely important. Without it the journey becomes very difficult. And if you do have support, you must work very hard -- because success is impossible without hard work.