Monem Munna

Mohammad Monem Munna (; 9 June 1966 – 12 February 2005) was a Bangladeshi footballer who mainly played as a center back. He is often regarded as the best defender that ever played for Bangladesh. He was well known by his nickname "The King-Back".

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. He led Abahani for 1993–1995 as captain and won two consecutive titles in 1993 and 1994.

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. Monem Munna was inducted into the East Bengal Club's "Hall of Fame" for his outstanding performance.

Munna later served as the manager (team leader) of Abahani. He earned the Sky Blues premier division league titles both as captain and as manager.

International career

Munna played for Bangladesh national football team from 1986 until 1997. Bangladesh also became runners-up in 1995 SAFF games, under his captaincy.

Personal life and health Munna was married to Yasmin Monem Surovi. Together they had one daughter, Eusra Monem Dania and one son, Azman Salid.

Munna left his football career in 1997 due to kidney complications. He died on 12 February 2005. He had had a kidney transplant in March 2000 after both his kidneys were damaged.

Legacy 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.

Career statistics

International goals Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Goals 13 March 1986 Karachi, Pakistan XI 1–0 Won 1986 President's Gold Cup 1 10 December 1993 Mirpur Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh 3–0 Won International Friendly 2

Honours Abahani Limited Dhaka Dhaka League: 1989–90, 1992, 1994, 1995 Federation Cup: 1988, 1997 Independence Cup: 1990 DMFA Cup: 1994 Sait Nagjee Trophy: 1989 Azmiri Begum Gold Cup: 1989 BTC Club Cup: 1991 Charms Cup: 1994

East Bengal Club Calcutta League: 1991, 1993

Bangladesh 4-nation Tiger Trophy: 1995 South Asian Games Silver medal: 1989, 1995