Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim earns FIFA praise after rapid rise

Hamza Abdelkarim has been recognised by FIFA as one of the seven young players who impressed at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, underlining the rapid progress of the Egypt striker since joining Barcelona.

The 18-year-old is no longer viewed solely as one of the Catalan club’s promising players for the future. His development over recent months has seen his reputation spread beyond Barcelona, with FIFA highlighting his performances alongside six other emerging talents from the tournament.

The other players named by football’s world governing body are Samuel Inacio of Borussia Dortmund, Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia Union, Remi Himbert of Lyon, Matthew Baker of Melbourne City, Noah Fernandez of PSV Eindhoven and Ze Lucas of Cruzeiro.

Abdelkarim’s inclusion reflects the impact he made for Egypt at the Under-17 World Cup. He scored twice in four appearances, impressing Barcelona scouts after having already made a positive impression in the youth teams at Egyptian club Al Ahly.

Barcelona initially completed his signing on loan in February. He required only nine matches for the club’s youth side to demonstrate his ability, scoring six goals and making an important contribution during the closing stages of the season.

His breakthrough accelerated when Egypt manager Hossam Hassan selected him for the 2026 World Cup. Abdelkarim was not included simply to fill a place in the Pharaohs’ squad. He featured in four of Egypt’s five matches as they reached the last 16.

That experience further raised his profile. While he was away with the national team, Barcelona confirmed they had decided to activate the purchase option in his loan agreement. The clause was initially worth 1.5m euros, although the eventual fee could rise to 6.5m euros depending on variables and performance-related incentives.

Following the World Cup, Abdelkarim chose not to wait before returning to Barcelona. He joined the first-team’s pre-season preparations and began working under manager Hansi Flick.

He needed only one opportunity to attract attention again. In a friendly against Birmingham City, Abdelkarim was Barcelona’s standout performer, scoring twice in 62 minutes.

His first goal came from a penalty he had won himself. He then doubled his tally by reacting quickest inside the area to a rebound.

The goals were not the only reason for the club’s growing confidence in him. Abdelkarim also showed a strong understanding of situations inside the penalty area, an ability to find space and the composure required to finish chances.

Flick was quick to praise the forward, commending his humility, character and ability to appear in the positions a central striker must learn to occupy.

Abdelkarim’s form has arrived at an important time for Barcelona’s attack. The club have lost the services of Robert Lewandowski and continue to assess their options for the number nine position.

Barcelona remain interested in Julian Alvarez, but negotiations with Atletico de Madrid are difficult, leaving the club’s attacking plans open to several possibilities. Ferran Torres is also expected to leave imminently.

For now, Abdelkarim’s natural destination remains Barcelona’s reserve team, where he is expected to continue his development. However, his performances during pre-season have allowed him to remain part of the first-team set-up, giving him the chance to keep working with Flick’s squad and make a stronger case for promotion.