How Egyptian Teenager Hamza Abdelkarim Emerged as Barcelona's New Sensation

Hamza Abdelkarim chose not to celebrate after scoring against former club Al Ahly at the Joan Gamper Trophy match on August 19, 2026. The chatter among Barcelona fans this summer was all about who would be the club’s next star striker after Robert Lewandowski left to play in the United States. The 18-year-old Egyptian, Hamza Abdelkarim, was not an answer anyone would have given at the beginning of preseason.

This time last year, he had only played a single game at senior level for Cairo giants Al Ahly. However, as Barca’s pursuit of Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid failed, and the club secured Gabriel Jesus on deadline day, Abdelkarim emerged from obscurity to dominate headlines in Catalonia and Egypt.

Abdelkarim’s four goals in five games made him Barcelona’s top scorer during preseason. He even scored against his boyhood club, Al Ahly, in the Joan Gamper Trophy, but chose not to celebrate out of respect. Commentator Adrian Healey told Al Jazeera that Hamza offers something different, while fans have nicknamed him the Egyptian Erling Haaland.

After impressing at the 2025 U17 World Cup, Egypt national team manager Hossam Hassan selected the teenager for his World Cup 2026 squad, leaving veteran Mostafa Mohammed at home. Following advice from Mohamed Salah, Abdelkarim skipped his vacation and returned straight to Barcelona after Egypt's exit, supercharging his development.

Barcelona subsequently made his loan permanent in June, paying Al Ahly 1.5 million euros. The rising interest has even prompted Barcelona to sign a sponsorship with EgyptAir through the 2028-29 season, while the club works to secure a 150 million euros buyout clause. Although manager Hansi Flick has urged patience, Abdelkarim officially debuted on August 31, replacing Raphina in a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano.