Egypt starlet Hamza Abdelkarim eyes historic Champions League debut for Barcelona

Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim is preparing for a potentially historic moment in his young career after being included in Barcelona’s squad for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign.

The 18-year-old forward could make his debut in Europe’s elite club competition when Barcelona host Dutch side Feyenoord in their opening Champions League group-stage fixture at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Abdelkarim’s inclusion in Barcelona’s Champions League squad represents a major milestone for the Egyptian international, who will now hope to be handed an opportunity to feature for the first team on one of football’s biggest stages.

According to reports, the Barcelona-Feyenoord clash could be particularly special for Abdelkarim and young Barca midfielder Bryan Farinas.

The pair are among players eligible to wear a special badge recognising their potential first appearance in the UEFA Champions League.

UEFA has reportedly introduced the “Make the Debut” initiative in collaboration with Topps to honour players making their first appearance in the competition this season.

The special badge will be available to players making their Champions League debut, whether they start a match or come on as substitutes.

The logo will be displayed alongside the traditional Champions League starball emblem on the sleeves of eligible players.

For Abdelkarim, wearing the badge would mark another significant step in his rapid development since joining the Spanish giants.

The Egyptian teenager will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of several Barcelona academy graduates who have used the Champions League as a platform to announce themselves to the wider football world.

Other young Barcelona players could also benefit from the initiative during the campaign, including reserve-team duo Jesse Bisiwu and Ebrima Tonkara, who are also reportedly part of the club’s Champions League squad.

Academy players Jordi Besquier, as well as goalkeepers Eder Haller and Iker Rodriguez, could also wear the special badge if they are called up and handed their first appearances in the competition.

However, the immediate focus for Abdelkarim will be Wednesday’s clash against Feyenoord.

Having already achieved the significant feat of being registered in Barcelona’s Champions League squad at just 18, the Egyptian forward will now be hoping his name is called when the Catalan giants begin their European campaign.

A Champions League appearance against Feyenoord would represent a dream moment for Abdelkarim and potentially another major chapter in the rise of one of Egypt’s most promising young footballers.