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Friday | November 13, 2026 | Dhaka
Farhaan Ali

From Fulham’s ‘Star Boy’ to BD’s ‘Magician’

 Kamal Hossain Bablu
 Published: 12:04 AM, 13 November 2026

The Bangladesh Football Federation has written ‘Magic’ in the caption for the video of Farhaan’s goal.
After Bangladesh secured a spot in the SAFF semi-finals by defeating Sri Lanka 4-0, Coach Thomas Dooley couldn’t hide his admiration for Farhaan.

He remarked, “What a goal Farhaan scored!”
The story of this 19-year-old didn’t begin with on Wednesday’s goal. Behind it lie a football academy in London, long hours of hard work, his family roots, and a dream of playing for Bangladesh.

Farhaan was born on December 9, 2006, in England. His parents are of Bangladeshi origin with roots in Sylhet. Although they were born in the United Kingdom and grew up in London.

Their initial football training took place at Chelsea’s academy. In 2019, at the age of just 12, they moved to the academy of Fulham, another club in West London.

From there, Farhaan progressed step by step. He scored 7 goals in 17 matches for the U-18 team. In January 2024, he made his debut for the U-21 side, scoring a goal in that very first match. In 2025, Farhaan signed his first professional contract with Fulham.

Last season, he recorded 6 goals and 9 assists in 21 appearances in Premier League 2, helping Fulham finish fourth in the league. Farhaan was named the league’s Player of the Month in November and was also included on the shortlist for the Player of the Season Award.

Farhaan made an appearance for the Fulham’s first team in a pre-season friendly match against Norwich City. Coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute under the guidance of Spanish Coach Alvaro Arbeloa, he showed excellent dribbling down the left flank and tested the opposing Goalkeeper with a curling shot. Fulham lost the match 2-0, Farhaan still managed to draw attention.

Farhaan then opted for a step down the football pyramid. To gain experience through regular playing time, he moved on loan from Fulham to Boreham Wood, a club in England’s fifth tier.

He will remain with the Hertfordshire-based side for the entirety of the 2026-27 seasons, wearing the number 20 jersey. The new manager, Luke Garrard, has placed his faith in him to add both pace and sharpness to the team’s attack. He has made four appearances for the club.

Recognition has already arrived. A statement on Fulham’s website announced, “The club is pleased to announce that Farhaan Ali Wahid is the winner of the 2026 Johnny Haynes Trophy.”

This trophy named after Fulham’s greatest-ever player, is awarded to the academy-produced young and emerging footballer of the year.

Farhaan’s goal against Sri Lanka will surely remain in the memories of Bangladeshi football fans for a long time. Jamal Bhuiyan said, “I think this is one of the best goals at the National Stadium. Hamza’s bicycle and Farhaan’s goal will be among the top three.”

Coach Thomas Dooley said, “This is one of the best goals among the teams I have coached.”