{{Short description|Bangladeshi footballer (1943–2024)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Zakaria Pintoo |image = Zakaria Pintoo pictured in 1969.png |caption = Pintoo in 1969 |full_name = Mohammad Zakaria Pintoo |birth_date = {{birth date|1943|01|01|df=y}} |birth_place = Naogaon District, Bengal Province, British India |death_date = {{death date and age|2024|11|18|1943|01|01|df=y}} |death_place = Dhaka, Bangladesh |height = 1.75 m<ref name=protidin/> |position = Centre back |years1 = 1957–1958 |clubs1 = East End Club<ref name=protidin/> |caps1 = |goals1 = |years2 = 1959–1961 |clubs2 = Dhaka Wanderers<ref name=protidin/> |caps2 = |goals2 = |years3 = 1961–1975 |clubs3 = Mohammedan SC<ref name=protidin/> |caps3 = |goals3 = |nationalyears1 = 1963–1970 |nationalteam1 = East Pakistan |nationalcaps1 = |nationalgoals1 = |nationalyears2 = 1969–1970 |nationalteam2 = Pakistan |nationalcaps2 = |nationalgoals2 = |nationalyears3 = 1971 |nationalteam3 = Shadhin Bangla |nationalcaps3 = |nationalgoals3 = |nationalyears4 = 1973 |nationalteam4 = Bangladesh |nationalcaps4 = |nationalgoals4 = |manageryears1 = 1977 |managerclubs1 = Mohammedan SC |manageryears2 = 1979 |managerclubs2 = Bangladesh }}
'''Zakaria Pintoo''' ({{langx|bn|জাকারিয়া পিন্টু}}; 1 January 1943 – 18 November 2024), alternatively spelled '''Zakaria Pintu''', was a Bangladeshi footballer who played as a defender. He was the first captain of the Bangladesh national team.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/365557/captain-of-bangladesh-sports|title=Captain of Bangladesh sports|language=en|work=Dhaka Tribune|first=Sishir|last=Hoque|date=19 November 2024|access-date=25 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125105348/https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/365557/captain-of-bangladesh-sports|archive-date=25 November 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
Pintoo gained fame as the captain of the Shadhin Bangla football team during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Before the country's independence, Pintoo represented both the Pakistan national football team and the East Pakistan football team, captaining the latter on numerous occasions. In club football, Pintoo represented Mohammedan SC, one of the most popular clubs in Bangladesh, for a continuous period of 14 years.<ref name="Kaler">{{cite news |url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/kaler-khela/2013/11/15/21320|title=বঙ্গবন্ধু বলেছিলেন 'বড় ফুটবলার হবি তুই'|trans-title=Bangabandhu said, "You will become a great footballer."|language=bn|work=Kaler Kantho |first=Raihanur |last=Islam |date=15 November 2013 |access-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240827122252/https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/kaler-khela/2013/11/15/21320|archive-date=27 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In recognition of his contribution to the country's football, the Government of Bangladesh honored him with the Independence Award in 1995, and the National Sports Awards in 1978.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.banglatribune.com/sport/football/307923/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|title=পুরস্কারের জন্য আর কত অপেক্ষা স্বাধীন বাংলা ফুটবল দলের!|trans-title=How long does the independent Bengali football team have to wait for the award?|work=Bangla Tribune |first=Tanzim |last=Ahmed |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827120633/https://www.banglatribune.com/sport/football/307923/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2 |archive-date=27 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Early life== Born on 1 January 1943 in Naogaon District, British India, Pintoo spent most of his childhood in Barisal District. In 1958, he was admitted to Jagannath College after completing his secondary examinations at Mathbaria High School. He captained the college football team into winning the Sir AF Rahman Shield and Governors Cup. In 1960, after finishing his higher secondary examinations, Pintoo joined Barisal BM College, and won the Sher-e-Bangla Cup as team captain. In 1968, Pintoo gained admission to Dhaka University, and captained their football team as they would become champions of the East Pakistan Combined University Football Championship.<ref name=protidin>{{Cite news |url=http://www.protidinersangbad.com/todays-newspaper/khela/22091/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%81 |script-title=bn:স্বাধীন বাংলা ফুটবল দলের অধিনায়ক জাকারিয়া পিন্টু |trans-title=Zakaria Pintu, captain of the independent Bengali football team |work=Protidiner Sangbad |language=bn |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915002153/http://www.protidinersangbad.com/todays-newspaper/khela/22091/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%81 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1969, Pintoo captained East Pakistan Combined University to the zonal championship of the National Football Championship.<ref name="1970 Report">{{cite news |url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/newspapers/paob19700528-01.1.10|title=Pakistan Observer, 1970.05.28 — South Asian Newspapers|language=en|website=gpa.eastview.com|access-date=25 November 2025|archive-date=25 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125081314/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/?a=d&d=paob19700528-01.1.10|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Club career== ===East End Club=== In 1957, a year before his admission to Jagannath College, Pintoo came to Dhaka to attend trials for the secondary team of East End Club, which participated in the Second Division. However, following impressive trials, he was given direct entry to the main team. He represented the club in the First Division in both 1957 and 1958.<ref name="Kaler"/>
[[File:Dhaka Wanderers Club at the 1960 Aga Khan Gold Cup.png|left|thumb|Pintoo sitting second from right with Dhaka Wanderers Club at the 1960 Aga Khan Gold Cup]]
===Dhaka Wanderers=== Pintoo joined Dhaka Wanderers Club in 1959. His standout performance during the club's Aga Khan Gold Cup third-round victory against Sindh Youngmen's Club in his debut season helped the club reach the quarter-finals, where they lost to Ceylon.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Monday 07 September 1959 |page=6|url=https://britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003221/19590907/122/0006|access-date=27 August 2024|via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> Pintoo was usually deployed as either a half-back or a center-back in a three-man defence.<ref name="our captain">{{Cite web|url=https://tds-images.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/my-captain-our-captain-3755946|title=‘My captain, our captain’|date=18 November 2025|access-date=25 November 2025|website=The Daily Star|archive-date=25 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125075541/https://tds-images.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/my-captain-our-captain-3755946|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1960, Pintoo played a crucial role in defense alongside Abdul Gafur Baloch, helping Wanderers become First Division champions by overtaking their arch-rivals and defending champions, Mohammedan SC.<ref name="Kaler"/> In the single league, the club only lost to Mohammedan in the final matchday. That same year, he also contributed to the club's journey to the quarter-finals of the Aga Khan Gold Cup, where Wanderers defeated Pakistan Airlines 3–2 in a third-round replay.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Wednesday 05 October 1960 |page=10|url=https://britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003221/19601005/220/0010|access-date=27 August 2024|via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Indonesian club PSM Makassar, suffering a 0–8 defeat in the semi-finals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/agakhan.html#60|title=Aga Khan Gold Cup|access-date=3 August 2024|website=RSSSF|archive-date=3 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803102714/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/agakhan.html#60|url-status=live}}</ref>
During a match against the visiting Kolkata Mohammedan, Pintoo man-marked Mohammed Rahmatullah in a notable 2–1 victory for the Wanderers, which earned him praise from the Kolkata club's coach.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/nhbnnavixi |script-title=bn:জাকারিয়া পিন্টু: তিনি থাকবেন স্বাধীনতার ইতিহাসে, ফুটবলে, মানুষের মনে |first=Masud |last=Alam |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn |trans-title=Zakaria Pintu: He will remain in the history of independence, in football, and in people's hearts.|location=Dhaka, Bangladesh |agency= |date=18 November 2024 |access-date=25 November 2025 |archive-date=25 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125074237/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/nhbnnavixi|url-status=live}}</ref>
===East Pakistan=== Following his First Division title triumph with Dhaka Wanderers Club, Pintoo was included in the East Pakistan football team ahead of the 11th National Football Championship, held in Karachi in 1960.<ref name="1970 Report"/> He played a crucial role in the team, captained by Zahirul Haque, which secured its first National Championship with a 1–0 victory over Karachi Whites in the final. In 1961, after the championship was made divisional-based, Pintoo began competing with the Khulna Division football team.<ref name="Book1"/>
===Mohammedan SC=== [[File:Ceylon Vs Dhaka Mohammedan 1968 Aga Khan Gold Cup Final.png|thumb|right|Ceylon Colts captain A.Zainulabdeen and Dhaka Mohammedan captain Pintoo (right) shaking hands before kickoff at the 1968 Aga Khan Gold Cup final.]]
In 1961, Pintoo joined Mohammedan SC, where he enjoyed a highly successful career. During his time with the club, he won the First Division title six times and the Aga Khan Gold Cup twice. On 7 July 1966, he played a key role in the final of the All-Pakistan Mohammad Ali Bogra Memorial Tournament, leading his team to victory over Dhaka Wanderers in Rawalpindi. Pintoo also served as the club captain from 1968 until his retirement in 1975, succeeding Abdullah Rahi. Under his leadership, the Black and Whites won the tenth Aga Khan Gold Cup in Dhaka in 1968, where Pintoo led the team to a commanding 5–0 victory over the Ceylon Colts XI.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Observer 1968.11.13 — South Asian Newspapers |url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/newspapers/paob19681113-01.1.10|access-date=2025-04-02 |website=gpa.eastview.com|archive-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402154654/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/?a=d&d=paob19681113-01.1.10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=গ্রেট ক্যাপ্টেন জাকারিয়া পিন্টু|trans-title=Great Captain Zakaria Pintu|language=bn|url=https://www.bd-pratidin.com/sport-news/2024/11/19/1051541|date=19 November 2024|access-date=2025-11-25|website=bd-pratidin.com|archive-date=2025-11-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125082732/https://www.bd-pratidin.com/sport-news/2024/11/19/1051541|url-status=live}}</ref>
He also guided Mohammedan to First Division titles in 1969 and 1975, with the 1969 title won as unbeaten champions. In 1972, he captained the team to their first Independence Cup triumph, defeating East End Club 3–1.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kironsportsdesk.com/?p=4058 |script-title=bn:৪৪ বছর আগে প্রথম স্বাধীনতা কাপে মোহামেডানের চ্যাম্পিয়নের নায়ক সালাউদ্দিন|trans-title=Salahuddin, the hero of Mohammedan's triumph in the first Independence Cup 44 years ago|website=Kiron's Sports Desk |language=bn |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929075449/http://kironsportsdesk.com/?p=4058 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 May 1972, Pintoo led Mohammedan in an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan AC, the first foreign football club to visit independent Bangladesh, which ended in a narrow 0–1 defeat.<ref name="MohunBagan">{{cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A7%AD-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8 |script-title=bn:৭ কোটি মানুষের জন্য ভালোবাসা নিয়ে ঢাকায় এসেছিল মোহনবাগান |first=Masud |last=Alam |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn |trans-title=Mohun Bagan came to Dhaka with love for 7 crore people |location=Dhaka, Bangladesh |agency= |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002192020/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A7%AD-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8|url-status=live}}</ref> Notably, in 1974, he participated in the Bordoloi Trophy held in Guwahati, India as a guest player for Rahmatganj MFS. In 1975, after leading Mohammedan to their first league title following the country's independence, Pintoo announced his retirement.<ref name="Jago"/>
==International career== ===East Pakistan=== [[File:1963 East Pakistan football team.png|thumb|left|Pintoo sitting third from left with the East Pakistan team before their friendly against China in 1963.]] On 24 January 1963, Pintoo represented the East Pakistan football team in an exhibition match against the touring China national football team. The game, held in Dhaka, saw East Pakistan suffer a heavy 1–11 defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0003221/19630125/224/0015?browse=true|access-date=28 June 2024|title=Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Friday 25 January 1963|page=15|via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> On 2 September 1962, he played for the East Pakistan XI in an exhibition match against the Pakistan national team in Dhaka, which they lost 2–4. The game, arranged by the East Pakistan Sports Federation, was held as a charity match to raise funds for the victims of the regional flood.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Observer, 1962.09.03 |url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/newspapers/paob19620903-01.1.6 |access-date=2025-12-25|website=gpa.eastview.com|archive-date=2025-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251225163051/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/?a=d&d=paob19620903-01.1.6|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1967, Pintoo was appointed captain of the East Pakistan team, a role he held until 1970. In 1968, he captained the team in a 2–3 defeat against the South Korean club Yangzee FC in Dhaka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Observer, 1969.08.17 — South Asian Newspapers |url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/newspapers/paob19690817-01.1.10 |access-date=2025-11-25|website=gpa.eastview.com|archive-date=2025-11-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125082222/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/?a=d&d=paob19690817-01.1.10|url-status=live}}</ref> Under his leadership, the team achieved its first international success by winning the King Mahendra Cup in Nepal in 1970.<ref name="Mahendra Cup">{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Observer, 1970.06.21 — South Asian Newspapers |url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/newspapers/paob19700621-01.1.10 |access-date=2025-03-31|website=gpa.eastview.com|archive-date=2025-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331102427/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/san/?a=d&d=paob19700621-01.1.10|url-status=live}}</ref> East Pakistan defeated Border Security Force team from India by 2–0 in the title-deciding game of the tournament, held in a round-robin league format.<ref name="Mahendra Cup"/>
===Pakistan=== left|thumb|Pintoo standing third from right with the PFF XI team at the 1970 Friendship Cup In 1969, Pintoo made his debut for the Pakistan national team during the Jaam-e-Doosti Cup (Friendship Cup) in Tehran, Iran. During the tournament, Pakistan faced the Soviet club Spartak Moscow and the Turkish team Mersin Talim Yurdu, alongside the national sides of Iraq and Iran.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://archive.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/sports/sports18.htm |title=Organisers wake up |author=Golam Sarwar Tipu |work=The Daily Star |date=2006 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815233136/https://archive.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/sports/sports18.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, he participated in the 1969 RCD Cup held in Turkey. Pintoo was one of four East Pakistani players included in the team, alongside him were Shahidur Rahman Shantoo, Hafizuddin Ahmed, and Golam Sarwar Tipu. The team, coached by Mohammad Amin, lost 2–4 against both Turkey and Iran, with Pintoo playing in both matches.<ref name="Kaler" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://m.u71news.com/article/57359/index.html |title=বাঙালির ফুটবল-সাফল্য এখন কেবলই স্মৃতি [Bengali football success is now just a memory] |work=U71 News |first=Mahbub |last=Arif |date=17 November 2015 |access-date=6 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406083259/http://m.u71news.com/article/57359/index.html |archive-date=6 April 2022 |language=bn}}</ref> The following year, Pintoo was chosen to be part of the national team which competed under the name of Pakistan Football Federation XI for the second Jaam-e-Doosti Cup, and later participated in the 1970 RCD Cup held in Iran, alongside East Pakistani players Hafizuddin Ahmed and Khandoker Mohammad Nurunnabi.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.teammelli.com/matchdata/details/matchdetails.php?id=61 |title=Iran vs Pakistan |website=TeamMelli.com |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815225659/https://www.teammelli.com/matchdata/details/matchdetails.php?id=61 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Shadhin Bangla=== In 1971, Pintoo was initially preparing to fight on the frontlines during the Bangladesh Liberation War, having completed his arms and ammunition training at the Balughat camp in West Bengal. However, his close friend Abdul Jalil and his wife urged him to join the Shadhin Bangla football team formed to aid the war of independence. After receiving a letter from Syed Nazrul Islam, the acting president of the provisional government, requesting his participation, Pintoo agreed. Despite his initial reluctance, his wife's encouragement and Jalil's insistence led him to travel to Kolkata, where he joined the team alongside other players.<ref name="lucky">{{Cite news |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/133717/i-am-luckier-than-pele-zakaria-pintoo |title=I am luckier than Pele: Zakaria Pintoo |work=New Age |access-date=26 March 2022 |archive-date=18 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218173354/https://www.newagebd.net/article/133717/i-am-luckier-than-pele-zakaria-pintoo |url-status=live}}</ref>
Pintoo was eventually appointed captain of the Shadhin Bangla football team, with his Mohammedan teammate Pratap Shankar Hazra serving as vice-captain. The team played their first official match on 25 July 1971 against Nadia XI in Nadia District. Before the match, Pintoo, with permission from Nadia's district administrator DK Ghosh, proudly waved the national flag, becoming the first person to hoist the Bangladesh flag on foreign soil. The team went on to play a total of 16 friendly matches during their tour of India.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%93%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA|title=একটি পতাকা ওড়ানোর আবেগময় গল্প |language=bn |work=Prothom Alo |first=Niar |last=Iqbal |date=16 December 2015 |access-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827124153/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%93%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA |archive-date=27 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/স্বাধীনতার-ইতিহাসে-একজন-ডি-কে-ঘোষ|title=স্বাধীনতার ইতিহাসে একজন ডি কে ঘোষ |trans-title=DK Ghosh, a figure in the history of independence |language=bn |work=Prothom Alo |first=Nishath |last=Ahmed |date=28 March 2021 |access-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827124831/https://www.prothomalo.com/amp/story/sports/football/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%98%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B7|archive-date=27 August 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{cquote|''The DC (DK Gosh) told our team official that the team captain and players will wave the flag, not the officials. On July 25, we waved our flag in front of around 30 thousand people at the venue. That was the first time Bangladesh’s flag was waved on foreign soil. After we returned to Kolkata and there was much discussion about the incident all over India. Later we learnt that the DC lost his job for allowing us to wave the flag without his superior’s permission. He was released immediately after that event.''|source= Pintoo on the flag waving incident on 25 July 1971.<ref name="lucky"/>|quote}}
===Bangladesh=== [[File:Bangladesh at the 1973 Merdeka Tournament.png|left|thumb|Pintoo (sitting first from right) with the Bangladesh national team at the 1973 Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia]] On 13 February 1972, Pintoo captained Bangladesh XI against President XI, in what was the first football match held in independent Bangladesh. The highly anticipated game held at the Dhaka Stadium, which ended in a 0–2 defeat for Pintoo's team, was attended by Bangladesh's President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2|title=বঙ্গবন্ধু বলেছিলেন, 'তোরা ভালো খেল'|trans-title=Bangabandhu said, 'You all play well'|first=Masud|last=Alam|website=Prothomalo|access-date=30 August 2022|archive-date=29 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929080043/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 May 1972, Pintoo captained Dhaka XI, the unofficial Bangladesh national team, in an exhibition match against the touring Indian club Mohun Bagan AC, led by Chuni Goswami. The game ended in a 1–0 victory for Dhaka, with Kazi Salahuddin scoring the only goal in front of more than 35,000 spectators at the Dhaka Stadium.<ref name="MohunBagan"/> He also captained Dhaka XI to a runner-up finish in the Bordoloi Trophy in Guwahati, India, losing the final replay 5–0 to East Bengal Club.<ref name="Jago"/>
In 1973, he was included in the first Bangladesh football team by coach Sheikh Shaheb Ali, who previously managed the Dhaka XI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/football/211015|title=ফুটবলের ৫০ বছর : প্রথম দলের ১৭ জনের কে কোথায়?|trans-title=50 years of football: The 17 first team players where are they now|first=Arafat|last=Zubaear|website=dhakapost.com|date=26 July 2023 |access-date=26 July 2023|archive-date=26 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726164059/https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/football/211015|language=bn|url-status=live}}</ref> Pintoo captained the team in their first international tournament at the 1973 Merdeka Tournament.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/210992|title=বাংলাদেশের প্রথম ম্যাচের স্মৃতিই ভুলে গেলাম!|trans-title=I forgot the memory of Bangladesh's first match!|first=Arafat|last=Zubaear|website=dhakapost.com|date=26 July 2023 |access-date=27 August 2024|archive-date=27 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827133500/https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/210992|language=bn|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his international debut for Bangladesh against Thailand. The game ended as a 2–2 draw, with Bangladesh losing the tie-breakers 5–6.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/merdeka73.html |title=Merdeka Tournament 1973 (Malaysia) |website=RSSSF |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815225700/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/merdeka73.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 August, Pintoo led the team to their first victory, defeating hosts Singapore 1–0 in an exhibition match played after the Merdeka Cup concluded.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kironsportsdesk.com/?p=4903 |title=১৯৭৩ সালে যাদের হাত ধরে বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় ফুটবল দলের পথ চলা শুরু হয়েছিলো |trans-title=The players who helped form the Bangladesh national football team in 1973 |language=bn |website=Kiron Sports Desk |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727075458/https://kironsportsdesk.com/?p=4903 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Post-playing career== After retiring from football, Pintoo briefly coached Mohammedan SC in 1977. In 1978, he received a short-term diploma in football coaching from England. He later became the joint editor of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in 1979.<ref name="post-retirement">{{Cite news|url=https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/707684|language=bn|script-title=bn:বর্ণাঢ্য এক জীবন ছিল জাকারিয়া পিন্টুর|trans-title=Zakaria Pinto had a colorful life.|work=ittefaq.com.bd|date=19 November 2025|access-date=25 November 2025|archive-date=25 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125113152/https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/707684/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A3%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0-%C2%A0|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 20 July 1979, Pintoo served as the head coach of the national team during a 1–0 defeat to South Korea B in a friendly match played in Dhaka.<ref name="Jago">{{Cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/football/569881|date=31 March 2020 |language=bn |script-title=bn:নববধূকে বাসর ঘরে রেখে ফুটবল মাঠে ছুটেছিলেন তিনি |trans-title=He left his bride in the living room and rushed to the football field. |work=Jago News 24 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119105329/https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/football/569881 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Pintoo was the manager of the national team coached by Abdur Rahim at the 1980 AFC Asian Cup in Kuwait.<ref name="post-retirement"/>
He served as the Director of Sports of the National Sports Council (NSC) from 1980 to 1982. Additionally, he was the Deputy Chef-de-Mission of the Bangladesh contingent at the 1995 South Asian Games in Madras, India, and the 2004 South Asian Games in Islamabad, Pakistan. Notably, he had the honor of lighting the torch at both the 1993 South Asian Games in Dhaka and the 6th Bangladesh Games in 1996.<ref name="post-retirement"/> In 1978, he received the National Sports Award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sunamganjerkhobor.com/details/34668|date=19 November 2025|language=bn|script-title=bn:বাংলাদেশের প্রথম অধিনায়ককে এক বছরেই ভুলে গেল সবাই!|trans-title=Everyone forgot Bangladesh's first captain within a year!|work=sunamganjerkhobor.com|access-date=25 November 2025 |archive-date=25 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125114252/https://www.sunamganjerkhobor.com/details/34668|url-status=live}}</ref>
He received the Independence Day Award (1995) in the sports category by the Government of Bangladesh.<ref name=indepen/>
In 2016, BFF president, Kazi Salahuddin, alleged that Pintoo asked him for funds to withdraw the nomination paper of the president post in the 2012 BFF election.<ref name=demand/> The allegation was later denied by Pintoo.<ref name=demand/>
==Personal life and death== Pintoo's younger brother, Moyeenuddin, was also a former footballer and played alongside him in Mohammedan SC.<ref name=demand>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/pintoo-demands-salahuddin-apology-1206937 |title=Pintoo demands Salahuddin apology |date=10 April 2016 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=14 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309185214/https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/pintoo-demands-salahuddin-apology-1206937 |url-status=live}}</ref> Pintoo was married to Hasina Begum, with whom he had three daughters and one son.<ref name="Jago" /> On 7 February 2019, Begum died while undegoing treatment at LabAid Hospital.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.jugantor.com/todays-paper/second-edition/142218/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%81|title=স্ত্রী হারালেন জাকারিয়া পিন্টু |trans-title=Zakaria Pintu loses his wife |date=8 February 2019 |work=Jugantor |access-date=27 August 2024 |language=bn |archive-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240827134856/https://www.jugantor.com/todays-paper/second-edition/142218/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%81 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Pintoo died on 18 November 2024, at the age of 81, as a result of multiple organ failure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zakaria Pintoo, captain of the Shadhin Bangla football team, passes away |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/sports/zakaria-pintoo-captain-shadhin-bangla-football-team-passes-away-996091 |work=The Business Standard |date=18 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Zakaria Pintoo, captain of Shadhin Bangla football team, no more |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/zakaria-pintoo-captain-shadhin-bangla-football-team-no-more-3755546 |work=The Daily Star |date=18 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
==Honours== '''Dhaka Wanderers'''<ref name=protidin/> *Dhaka First Division League: 1960
'''Mohammedan SC (Dhaka)'''<ref name=protidin/> *Dhaka First Division League: 1961, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1975 *Independence Cup: 1972 *Aga Khan Gold Cup: 1964, 1968 *Independence Day Tournament: 1963, 1965, 1966
'''East Pakistan'''<ref name="Book1">{{cite book |last=Mahmud |first=Dulal |script-title=bn: খেলার মাঠে মুক্তিযুদ্ধ ({{Translation|Liberation war in the playground}}) |publisher=Bishhoshahitto Bhobon |year=2020 |pages=296–322 |isbn=978-984-8218-31-0 |language=bn}}</ref> *National Football Championship: 1960 *King Mahendra Cup: 1970
===Awards and accolades=== *1978 − National Sports Awards.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/117659/national-award-eludes-most-swadhin-bangla-footballers |title=National award eludes most Swadhin Bangla footballers |work=New Age |access-date=13 February 2023 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213072728/https://www.newagebd.net/article/117659/national-award-eludes-most-swadhin-bangla-footballers |url-status=live}}</ref> * 50px 1995 − Independence Day Award.<ref name=indepen>{{cite web |url=http://brri.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/brri.portal.gov.bd/page/87944ec4_496e_415d_af37_27a10fb35625/Independence%20Day%20Award.pdf |title=Independence Day Award |access-date=14 September 2018 |publisher=Government of Bangladesh |archive-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923180015/http://brri.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/brri.portal.gov.bd/page/87944ec4_496e_415d_af37_27a10fb35625/Independence%20Day%20Award.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also== * List of association football players capped by two senior national teams * List of Bangladesh national football team managers
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Bibliography== * {{cite book |last=Mahmud |first=Dulal |script-title=bn: খেলার মাঠে মুক্তিযুদ্ধ ({{Translation|Liberation war in the playground}}) |publisher=Bishhoshahitto Bhobon |year=2020 |isbn=978-984-8218-31-0 |language=bn}} *{{cite book |last=Mahmud |first=Dulal |script-title=bn:পাকিস্তান জাতীয় দল বাঙালি খেলোয়াড় ({{Translation|Bengali players in the Pakistan national team}}) |publisher=Bishhoshahitto Bhobon |year=2014 |language=bn}} * {{cite book |last=Alam |first=Masud |script-title=bn:ফুটবলের গল্প ফুটবলারদের গল্প ({{Translation|The story of football the story of footballers}}) |publisher=Bishhoshahitto Bhobon |year=2017 |language=bn |isbn=9789849134688}} * {{cite book |last=Mahmud |first=Noman |script-title=bn:ফুটবল পায়ে মুক্তির যুদ্ধ ({{Translation|Liberation war fought by football}}) |publisher=Agamee Prakashani |year=2018 |language=bn |isbn=978-984-8218-31-0}}
==External links== * {{NFT player|pid=103006}} * {{commons-inline}}
{{Independence Award recipients}} {{Bangladesh national football team managers}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pintoo, Zakaria}} Category:1943 births Category:2024 deaths Category:People from Naogaon District Category:Bangladeshi men's footballers Category:Bangladesh men's international footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Bangladeshi football managers Category:Bangladesh national football team managers Category:Recipients of the Independence Award Category:Recipients of the Bangladesh National Sports Award Category:Pakistani men's footballers Category:Pakistan men's international footballers Category:Dual internationalists (men's football) Category:Dhaka Wanderers Club players Category:Mohammedan SC (Dhaka) players Category:Footballers from Rajshahi Division Category:Bangladeshi expatriate sportspeople in India Category:University of Dhaka alumni Category:Jagannath College alumni Category:Deaths from multiple organ failure Category:20th-century Pakistani sportsmen Category:20th-century Bangladeshi sportsmen