Mohammad Monem Munna (Bengali: মোনেম মুন্না; 9 June 1966 – 12 February 2005)[1][2] was a Bangladeshi footballer who mainly played as a center back.[3][4][5] He is often regarded as the best defender that ever played for Bangladesh.[3][6] He is well known by his nickname "The King-Back".[7][8][9]
Early life
Munna started playing football through his school team, Narayanganj Zilla School, which became the champions in the National School Championship, where he was adjudged the best player.[10] He then played for Sirajuddoullah Club of Narayanganj. He started his career in Dhaka through Pioneer Division team Gulistan Club in 1981.[10] In 1982, he moved to the second division team of Shantinagar Club.[10]
Club career
Munna came in the limelight at first in 1982 during a match between Narayanganj and Bangladesh National team. He joined the Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in 1983 and became the second division champion. During these two seasons, 1984–85, Munna displayed extraordinary skill in the first division on behalf of the Muktijoddha Sangsad. In 1986 he moved to Brothers Union for one season. At that time, Abahani officials came to notice because of his great performance for the Brothers. As a result, he joined Abahani Limited Dhaka in 1987.[4] In 1991, Munna received a record fee, 20 lakh taka, for Abahani, which was a unique record for the whole of South Asia at that time.[11] He led Abahani for 1993–1995 as captain and won two consecutive titles in 1993 and 1994.[10][12]
During 1991 and again in 1993, Munna played for Kolkata's East Bengal Club. On both occasions East Bengal emerged champions in the Calcutta League.[13] Monem Munna was inducted into the East Bengal Club's "Hall of Fame" for his outstanding performance.[14]
Munna later served as the manager (team leader) of Abahani.[15] He earned the Sky Blues premier division league titles both as captain and as manager.[16][17]
International career
Bangladesh's first international trophy
Munna played for Bangladesh national football team from 1986 until 1997.[18][4] He served as the captain of the national team three times.[4] In 1995, under his leadership, Bangladesh won the 4-nation Tiger Trophy in Myanmar, the first-ever international trophy won by the country.[19] Bangladesh also became runners-up in 1995 SAFF games, under his captaincy.[10][20]
Personal life and health
Munna was married to Yasmin Monem Surovi. Together they had one daughter, Eusra Monem Dania and one son, Azman Salid.[4][21]
Munna left his football career in 1997 due to kidney complications. He died on 12 February 2005.[10][22][23]
On 9 June 2008 the Dhanmondi Road No 8 was officially renamed as the "Monem Munna Bridge" as a remembrance of Monem Munna illustrious career on his 42 birthday.[24]
^"কলকাতার ইস্টবেঙ্গল ভুলে গেছে বাংলাদেশের অবদান" [Kolkata's East Bengal has forgotten the contribution of Bangladesh]. prothomalo.com (in Bengali). Dhaka: Prothom Alo. 3 August 2020. Archived from the original on 5 October 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
