Sheuli Azim is a foundational pillar of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team and a pivotal figure in the modern evolution of South Asian football. A two-time SAFF Women’s Championship winner, Azim has transitioned from a promising youth talent into a versatile defensive veteran known for her tactical discipline and an unusually high goal-scoring rate at the club level. Whether operating as a commanding centre-back or an energetic right-back, her journey from rural Mymensingh to the international stage mirrors the meteoric rise of the Bengal Tigresses. Now serving as a club captain and an aspiring coach, she stands as a powerful advocate for professional standards and a leader for the next generation of Asian athletes.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Sheuli Azim
- Date of Birth: December 20, 2001
- Place of Birth: Kolsindur, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- Position: Right-Back / Centre-Back
- Current Club: Rajshahi Stars FC
- National Team: Bangladesh
The Story So Far
The story of Sheuli Azim begins in Kolsindur, a village near the Indian border that has become the spiritual home of women’s football in Bangladesh. Born into the Garo indigenous community—a society traditionally defined by matrilineal traditions—Azim grew up in an environment that embraced female participation in sports. While many girls in the region faced conservative resistance, the Kolsindur community rallied behind their daughters, providing Azim with the psychological safety net needed to pursue her athletic dreams despite financial hardships.
Azim’s competitive journey was sparked by the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Gold Cup, a primary school tournament where she first competed in 2011. Developing her skills on the rugged, uneven pitches of rural Mymensingh, she forged a physical resilience that would become her trademark. By 2015, she was a central figure in the golden generation that won the AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional Championship in Nepal, the first international trophy won by a Bangladeshi women’s team abroad.
Her rise through the ranks was consistent and decorated. She anchored the defense for the U-16 side that famously defeated Iran and Chinese Taipei to reach the AFC Championship in Thailand, and later claimed winner’s medals in the SAFF U-18 Championship and the Bangamata U-19 International Gold Cup. At the senior level, Azim has been instrumental in the two greatest achievements in her nation’s sporting history: the 2022 and 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship titles. These victories shattered the long-standing dominance of India and established Bangladesh as the premier power in South Asian women’s football.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Sheuli Azim is a multi-disciplined defender, meaning she possesses the versatility to excel in multiple roles. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, she has a physical profile that allows her to be effective in aerial duels while maintaining a low center of gravity to track quick, agile wingers.
- The Overlapping Full-Back: In a modern 4-3-3 setup, Azim primarily operates as a right-back. She is not just a defensive stopper; she is a vital supporting outlet in the attack. Her timing when making overlapping runs is precise, as demonstrated by her crucial assist in the 2024 SAFF semi-final against Bhutan.
- The Defensive Anchor: When moved to centre-back, Azim relies on her elite sense of positioning and anticipation. Rather than diving into risky tackles, she is known for her patience in one-on-one situations. Her background in futsal has also given her great composure on the ball, allowing her to initiate play from the back with accurate passing rather than clearing the ball aimlessly.
- The Goal-Scoring Anomaly: One of the most striking aspects of Azim’s profile is her scoring record. During her time with Bashundhara Kings, she averaged nearly a goal every game. While this was partly due to her team’s total dominance, it also highlights her intelligence in the box. She often operates as an inverted full-back, arriving late into the area to finish chances, and remains a primary threat during set-pieces due to her bravery and aerial ability.
Future Outlook
At 24 years old, Sheuli Azim is entering her prime years as a defender. Her recent move to Rajshahi Stars FC marks a new chapter in her career, shifting from a supporting star to a franchise leader. As the captain of her new club, she made an immediate impact by leading them to a 12-0 victory on her debut.
Beyond her playing duties, Azim is already preparing for a future in management. In 2024, she successfully completed the AFC B License coaching course, a rare feat for an active national team starter. This dedication to tactical study suggests she will remain a vital part of the Bangladesh football structure long after she hangs up her boots. In the short term, her focus remains on the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, where she will lead the Tigresses as they attempt to transition from regional champions to continental contenders.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
International (Bangladesh)
- SAFF Women’s Championship: 2022, 2024
- SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship: 2018
- Bangamata U-19 Women’s International Gold Cup: 2019
- AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional Championship (South & Central): 2015
Club
- Bangladesh Women’s Football League: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22 (Bashundhara Kings), 2023–24 (Nasrin Sports Academy)
- Bhutan Women’s National League Runner-up: 2025 (Paro FC)
The Record (Career Statistics)
Senior Club Record
| Season(s) | Club | Appearances | Goals | Key Achievement |
| 2020–2023 | Bashundhara Kings | 37 | 27 | Multiple League Titles |
| 2023–2024 | Nasrin Sports Academy | 8 | 0 | League Champions |
| 2025 | Paro FC (Bhutan) | 4 | 0 | Unbeaten Runners-up |
| 2025–Pres | Rajshahi Stars FC | 1 | 0 | Current Captain |
| Total | 50 | 27 |
International Summary
| Team | Caps | Goals | Major Honors |
| Bangladesh Senior | 47 | 1 | SAFF Champion (2022, 2024) |
| Bangladesh Youth (U14-U20) | 25 | 2 | Multiple Regional Titles |
