Hamza Abdelkarim’s Barcelona breakthrough gathers momentum after World Cup gamble

Hamza Abdelkarim is making an increasingly strong case for a place in Barcelona’s first-team squad after cutting short his summer holiday to return for pre-season and impress head coach Hansi Flick.

The 18-year-old Egypt forward chose to report for the opening day of Barcelona’s preparations, just days after representing his country at the World Cup. His aim was clear: to convince Flick that he deserved an opportunity alongside the club’s senior stars.

A few weeks into pre-season, Abdelkarim’s decision appears to be paying off. He has become one of the most prominent players in Barcelona’s preparations and has received growing praise within the Catalan club after producing a series of eye-catching performances.

Abdelkarim started both of Barcelona’s friendly matches against Europa and Birmingham. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, he stood out in each game, underlining the progress he has made since arriving at the club.

He was particularly influential in Friday evening’s match in England, scoring twice to help establish himself as the outstanding player on the pitch. One of his goals came from a penalty he had won himself, adding to a performance that reinforced the positive impression he has made on Barcelona’s coaching staff.

His contribution extended beyond the goals. Abdelkarim showed intelligent movement, sharp positioning inside the penalty area and a confidence that belied his age.

“It was amazing, and I hope to score more goals,” he said after the match.

From Al Ahly loan to permanent Barcelona move

When Barcelona completed Abdelkarim’s loan move from Al Ahly in January, he was not widely known among the club’s supporters.

In Egypt, however, he had long been regarded as one of the country’s leading emerging talents. His rapid development had led many to view him as a natural successor to Mohamed Salah.

Administrative delays meant Abdelkarim did not make his first Barcelona appearance until March, but he needed fewer than three months with the Juvenil A side to convince the coaching staff and sporting department of his ability.

Barcelona subsequently activated the €1.5m purchase option included in the loan agreement with Al Ahly, securing the forward’s future at the club. The decision reflected the confidence placed in his potential.

His summer then took another significant turn when he was selected for Egypt’s World Cup squad.

Abdelkarim played in four of Egypt’s five matches at the tournament. He missed only the last-16 meeting with Argentina, which saw Egypt eliminated on 7 July.

Despite the demands of the competition, he was given just one week off before returning to Barcelona’s training camp on 13 July. From that point, his priority was to earn Flick’s trust.

After the Birmingham game, there were clear signs that the forward was moving in the right direction.

“It was obviously amazing. I am very happy, and I hope that the team and I can continue to work and improve with every game. They were a strong opponent and had a lot of physical ability,” Abdelkarim said.

“We are still a young team and we are getting to know each other better on the pitch, which builds confidence among everyone in the group. I hope I can score more goals.”

Flick impressed by young forward

Flick has taken notice of Abdelkarim’s displays and has praised both his technical qualities and his character. The manager’s comments suggest the teenager is beginning to feature more prominently in the first-team picture.

“I think he is a very humble player, with a great personality and great ability. He is a striker who knows how to position himself well inside the penalty area and is always aware of what is happening in the game. That is exactly what I ask of a number nine,” said Flick.

The competition for places will be difficult. Barcelona are seeking to strengthen their attack during the current summer transfer window, with Argentina international Julian Alvarez reported to be their leading priority.

Abdelkarim is also aware that Flick has shown a willingness to give young players opportunities. The German has involved several members of La Masia, Barcelona Atletic and the youth teams with the senior squad, encouraging the Egyptian forward to make the most of every minute available to him.

At only 18, Abdelkarim is experiencing an extraordinary year that could become the defining turning point of his career. He began 2026 on loan with Barcelona’s youth team, represented Egypt at the World Cup, then saw Barcelona make his transfer permanent before inviting him to join the first team’s preparations for the new season.

Now, through his goals, improving performances, professional attitude and daily work, the forward is edging closer to his biggest ambition: convincing Flick that he is ready to wear the Barcelona shirt at senior level.