Barcelona teenager Hamza Abdelkarim strikes in Joan Gamper meeting with Al Ahly

Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim scored Barcelona’s opening goal against former club Al Ahly on Wednesday, but chose not to celebrate in a show of respect for the Egyptian side.

The 18-year-old put Barcelona ahead in the 30th minute at Spotify Camp Nou during the Joan Gamper Trophy match. He finished from a low cross delivered by left-back Alejandro Balde, who had received the ball from Raphinha before sending it into the area.

After finding the net, Abdelkarim placed both hands beneath his head rather than celebrating, appearing to apologise to Al Ahly supporters.

The fixture carries particular significance for the forward, who is facing his former club for the first time since completing a permanent move to Barcelona. Abdelkarim initially joined the Catalan club on loan during the second half of last season.

In June 2026, Barcelona confirmed they had activated the purchase option in the loan agreement. The Egyptian forward subsequently signed a new contract with the club that runs until the summer of 2029.

Abdelkarim has made a strong impression during Barcelona’s pre-season preparations. He scored in a 5-2 victory over Swiss club Basel and also found the net twice in a 2-2 draw with English side Birmingham City.

His progress also earned him a place in the Egypt squad for the 2026 World Cup. Egypt, known as the Pharaohs, were eliminated in the last 16 after a dramatic 3-2 defeat by Argentina.

The match against Al Ahly is the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy and represents Barcelona’s final preparation game before the new season begins.

Abdelkarim’s goal was particularly notable given his close connection with Al Ahly, where he developed before moving to Europe. His decision not to celebrate underlined the personal nature of the occasion as Barcelona took the lead at their home stadium.

The meeting provides the final opportunity for Barcelona to assess their preparations before competitive action starts, while Abdelkarim has continued to strengthen his case for a role in the club’s first-team plans with his performances in front of goal.

For Al Ahly, the match offers a high-profile test against one of Europe’s most prominent clubs. For Abdelkarim, it is an emotional return that has already produced a defining moment, with his first-half finish placing Barcelona ahead against the side he previously represented.