Mohamed Atikuzzaman

Mohamed Atikuzzaman (; born 10 October 1999) is a Bangladeshi professional footballer who plays as a defender for Bangladesh Championship League club Dhaka Rangers FC. Mainly a right-back, he can also play as either a left-back or centre-back.

Early career In 2009, Atik gave medical examinations for the Sherpur District team for the JFA U-15 Cup, while attending a school cricket match at the Shahid Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium. Although he was originally interested in cricket, his focus shifted to football after being selected for his district team. In 2013, he trained in the BFF Sylhet Academy and also participated in the 2013 SAFF U-16 Championship. In 2014, he came to Dhaka and went onto win the BFF U-18 Football Tournament with Mohammedan SC U-18 while also receiving the tournaments Best Player Award. His performances saw coach Syed Golam Jilani recall him to the Bangladesh U16 team the following year. During the 2015–16 season, he led Dilkusha SC to win the Dhaka Third Division League.

Club career Victoria SC In 2016, Atik joined second-tier club Victoria SC for the 2015–16 Bangladesh Championship League, after being involved with youth international football the previous few years. On 18 December 2016, he scored his first professional league goal by slotting in a penalty, in a 1–3 defeat to Saif Sporting Club.

Arambagh KS In 2017, Atik joined Arambagh KS in the Bangladesh Premier League, a club which is known to focus on giving game time to local talents.

On 24 August 2021, he scored his first top-tier league goal, as Mohammedan defeated Muktijoddha Sangsad KC 2–0. The same day, Atik was called up to the Bangladesh national team for a 2021 Three Nations Cup in Kyrgyzstan. His final year at the club saw him make 21 appearances in the league, his highest in a single season and following the leagues conclusion, Atik was the subject of numerous transfer rumors.

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club In December 2019, it was reported that Atik had taken transfer money from both Mohammedan SC, Abahani Limited Dhaka and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. Following the report, Mohammedan management filed a complaint to the Bangladesh Football Federation.

He appeared in the 2021 Independence Cup, against both Uttar Baridhara Club and Bashundhara Kings. Atik found limited game time in his lone year with the Dhanmondi based club, scoring his first goal, on 17 February 2021, in a league fixture against Rahmatganj MFS.

Bashundhara Kings In 2022, Atik moved to Bashundhara Kings. However, after not making a single appearance for the team in any competition, he joined Muktijoddha Sangsad KC on loan during the second phase of the 2022–23 league season. On 4 April 2023, he made his debut Muktijoddha against his parent club Bashundhara Kings during the 2022–23 Federation Cup. On 8 April 2023, he scored for the club in his league debut, as they were dismantled 1–6 by Mohammedan SC.

International career In 2015, Atik was an integral part the Bangladesh U16 team which won the 2015 SAFF U-16 Championship. He scored group-stage goals against both Sri Lanka U16 and India U16. He also converted his penalty as Bangladesh won the final 4–2 on penalties against India U16.

In 2017, Atik played for the Bangladesh U23 team in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers, under coach Andrew Ord. In the same year, he was selected for the Bangladesh U19 team which participated in the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers. On 6 November 2017, he scored a stoppage time own goal against Uzbekistan U19 in a 0–1 defeat. Nonetheless, his solid defensive performance during the game was praised by local media outlets. In 2023, he made the final national squad for the initially delayed 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Personal life Atikuzzaman is the oldest among three brothers, and was brought up in Sherpur District of Bangladesh. In 2013, Atik's father Mohamed Badiuzzaman died of a stroke. However, due to Atik's mother, Hamida Begum, being the second wife, his family did not receive any financial support. His mother had to work as a cook in a hotel to support the family. According to Atik, his early life circumstances had given him even more desire to pursue a football career and achieve financial stability.

International goals Youth Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 11 August 2015 Sylhet District Stadium, Sylhet, Bangladesh 3–0 4–0 2015 SAFF U-16 Championship 2. 13 August 2015 2–1 2–1

Honours Dilkusha SC Dhaka Third Division League: 2015

Arambagh KS Independence Cup: 2017–18

Bangladesh U16 SAFF U-17 Championship: 2015

Individual 2014 − BFF U-18 Football Tournament Best Player Award.