Although Bangladesh is not competing in the FIFA World Cup, football fever has swept across the country once again. Millions of Bangladeshi fans continue to passionately support traditional favorites such as Brazil and Argentina. Yet, despite the absence of the national team, this year’s tournament marked a historic milestone: for the first time, a Bangladeshi took part directly in a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
Sanjoy Deb, a Bangladeshi-American originally from Sreemangal in the Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh, performed at the historic opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Canada on June 12.
The ceremony featured internationally acclaimed performers including Alanis Morissette, Jessie Reyez, and Michael Bublé. Adding a distinctly multicultural and global dimension to the event were Nora Fatehi, William Prince, Palestinian singer Elyanna, French artist Vegedream, and Bangladeshi-American DJ and music producer Sanjoy Deb.
Sanjoy drew special attention with his unique stage outfit, which prominently featured Bangladesh’s Royal Bengal Tiger, the country’s red-and-green national flag, and the national flower, the water lily (Shapla). Through his performance, he proudly showcased Bangladesh before a global audience. Throughout the performance, he repeatedly pointed to these symbols, emphasizing his pride in his heritage. His attire reflected his deep love for Bangladesh, his patriotism, and his enduring connection to his roots while celebrating the country’s culture, identity, and traditions.
The outfit was designed by Chhaya Kumar, embroidered by John Kim, and styled by Jasmine Patel.
The performance was enjoyed by a packed stadium audience as well as millions of television viewers around the world. Bangladeshi audiences, in particular, were deeply moved by Sanjoy Deb’s appearance on one of football’s biggest stages. Following the ceremony, social media was flooded with photographs, video clips, and congratulatory messages celebrating his achievement, and the excitement has continued in the days since.
Although born in Bangladesh, Sanjoy Deb was raised in California, United States. He was born on December 18, 1991. His father is Santosh Deb, and his mother is Mita Deb.
Sanjoy Deb is a producer, DJ, musician, music director, and mixing and mastering engineer. One of his best-known musical works is Shangri-La, which was featured on the U.S. Top 40 and Dance Radio charts.
In 2017, he released Obvi, featuring American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin. In 2021, he collaborated with GOT7 member Mark Tuan on the single and music video One in a Million. In 2022, he wrote and produced five songs for Indian singer Guru Randhawa’s blockbuster album Man of the Moon.
Sanjoy Deb’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony represents not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Bangladesh, bringing the country’s culture, identity, and heritage to one of the world’s largest sporting stages.
