Cabrera pens farewell message to Bangladeseh

After more than four years at the helm, Javier Cabrera has left as the head coach of the Bangladesh national football team, bringing an end to the longest managerial tenure in the team’s history.

His tenure came to an end on April 30, and the Bangladesh Football Federation is likely to announce a new coach within the next three days, following a month of scrutiny and CV-hunting.

In a message shared on LinkedIn, Cabrera reflected on his time in charge, describing it as “worth every single second” and filled with “unforgettable memories and experiences.” His remarks offered a personal view of a period he believes marked growth for Bangladesh football.

According to Cabrera, the team “came a long way, both on and off the pitch,” evolving from playing “in front of a few hundred fans” to experiencing “unforgettable nights in packed stadiums.” He also claimed that together they “built a solid identity and a competitive mindset” that helped the side compete more consistently against stronger opposition in Asia.

He pointed to several milestones during his tenure, including reaching the semifinals of the SAFF Championship after 14 years, defeating the India national football team in an official match for the first time in 22 years, and achieving the country’s highest FIFA ranking since 2016.

Cabrera also highlighted what he described as progress in youth development. He noted that “21 Under-23 players made their debuts,” which, in his words, helped establish “one of the youngest national teams in Asia” and laid “strong foundations for the future.”

In his farewell, Cabrera thanked players, staff, supporters, and the Bangladesh Football Federation, expressing “deep gratitude and pride” while adding that he believes Bangladesh football “is moving in the right direction” and that “its best moments are still to come.”