Egypt’s Hamza Abdel Karim makes Barcelona history with rare double-team selection

Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdel Karim has found himself in a rare situation at Barcelona after being included in the plans of two different teams from the Spanish club for their respective European fixtures against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

The 2008-born striker has been named in Barcelona’s first-team squad for their UEFA Champions League meeting with Aston Villa while also receiving a call-up to strengthen the club’s Juvenil A side for the UEFA Youth League encounter against the same English opposition.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Abdel Karim trained with the senior team on Monday under German manager Hansi Flick as Barcelona completed their preparations for the Champions League fixture.

His inclusion in the first-team matchday squad came alongside a separate selection by Juvenil A coach Paul Planas for the youth team’s European assignment.

The situation represents a significant moment for the Egyptian forward, who has already experienced football at different levels within Barcelona since joining the Catalan club in February 2026.

Abdel Karim continues his rise at Barcelona

The Egyptian striker has previously featured for Barcelona’s first team and reserve side, highlighting the progress he has made since arriving in Spain.

He made his official appearance under Flick on August 31 against Rayo Vallecano before making his debut for Barcelona Athletic in October.

His latest involvement with the senior squad further underlines the opportunities available to him as he continues his development within the club.

However, his simultaneous consideration by the first team and Juvenil A for European fixtures against the same opponent has created an unusual situation.

Barcelona face Aston Villa in two European competitions

Barcelona’s Juvenil A team will face Aston Villa at 4pm at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in the UEFA Youth League.

The senior sides will then meet at 9pm at Spotify Camp Nou in the Champions League, with Abdel Karim’s name featuring in the plans of both Barcelona teams on the same day.

Both encounters carry significant importance for the Catalan club as they pursue progress in their respective competitions.

In the Champions League, Barcelona occupy eighth position with six points, while Aston Villa sit second with nine points after winning their opening three matches.

The situation is also competitive in the UEFA Youth League, where Barcelona’s Juvenil A team are 20th with four points, compared to Aston Villa’s 26th position with three points.

The meeting therefore offers both sides an important opportunity to improve their positions in the race for qualification to the next stage.