By RO Maung Shwe
Kutupalong, Cox’s Bazar
In a cramped bamboo shelter in Camp-4, a pair of dusty football cleats sit near a rolled-up prayer mat. They belong to Mohammed Younus, a 17-year-old Rohingya boy whose story runs deeper than any final score. This year, at the Rohingya Football League 2025, Younus made history—bringing home not one, but two major awards.
But to understand his victory, one must first understand his journey.
Displaced, But Never Defeated
Younus was born in Inndin village, in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. He is the second son of Hashim Ullah and the late Fatema Khatun. Like many Rohingya children, Younus grew up between dreams and danger. In 2017, when the Myanmar military launched a brutal ethnic cleansing campaign, Younus and his family were forced to flee. They eventually resettled in Bangladesh, in the world’s largest refugee camp in Ukhiya.
Despite the trauma of forced displacement, Younus remained devoted to both faith and education. He memorized the Quran, becoming a Hafez, and currently studies at Abu Hurairah Madrasa in Camp-4. But tragedy continued to shadow the family. In 2020, his mother passed away from cancer—untreated due to poverty. A year later, his elder brother, a fellow football enthusiast, died from an undiagnosed tumor. The emotional toll was immense.
His father, a daily laborer, continues to support their now five-member household with meager earnings. But Younus never gave up.
A Dream Fueled by Football
An avid fan of Real Madrid, Younus draws inspiration from football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and particularly admires Turkish star Arda Güler. “Football helps me stay focused, strong, and hopeful,” he says.
In 2023, he began playing football seriously. His skill and discipline quickly caught the attention of local teams. He joined the popular Rohingya club Juventus Football Team and gained valuable experience. In 2024, he played in the Rohingya Football League for the Naymray-8 Merullah team but saw limited field time.
2025: The Breakthrough Year
Everything changed in 2025 when his home village, Inndin, formed its own football team. This time, Younus was not a substitute. He was their star forward.
- Match 1: Inndin vs Mee Choing Zee — 3–1 victory
- Match 2: Inndin vs Boli Bazar Naymray-4 — 2–0 win
- Match 3: Inndin vs Merullah — 4–2 triumph
- Semifinal: Narrow 1–0 victory against a tough opponent
- Final: A close 0–1 defeat to Shabe Bazar Naymray-2 on February 26, 2025
Though his team didn’t win the title, Younus stood out on the field for his speed, vision, and control. Among 200+ players, he was named Player of the Tournament and also received the Golden Ball Award for best young player. Both awards were presented by TIKA and the RRRC, supported by the Turkish Red Crescent and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
More Than Just a Game
In his acceptance speech, Younus thanked the tournament organizers and expressed deep gratitude to RRRC Additional Secretary Mr. Mizanur Rahman for supporting youth development in the camps.
“I also thank my fellow villagers,” he said. “Their encouragement kept me going. I’m proud to bring this honor home—not just for me, but for Inndin.”
But Younus’s message goes beyond football:
“Football is good for health and discipline. But education should come first. It’s the backbone of our future.”
He also called on the international community to recognize the untapped potential within refugee youth:
“We have dreams too. If you give us the chance, we can prove ourselves to the world.”
Looking Ahead
For Younus, these awards are not the finish line—they’re the kickoff. His goals include higher education and one day, playing professional football on an international stage.
In a place where hope is often rationed, Younus’s story reminds us that talent, when nurtured, can break barriers—and that even in exile, greatness can grow.
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