Hamza Abdelkarim vows to make the most of Barcelona opportunity after first-team bow

Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim says he wants to help Barcelona “as much as possible and win everything” after making his first-team debut for the Catalan club at the age of 18.

Abdelkarim was handed his senior opportunity by manager Hansi Flick in Barcelona’s match against Rayo Vallecano, marking an important step in the young striker’s development at the club.

Speaking to TV3 after the game, Abdelkarim said: “I am extremely happy to have played my first match, and I hope to achieve more successes in the future.”

The teenager also described his emotions at appearing in front of Barcelona supporters at Camp Nou, where he said the size of the occasion made his first-team introduction particularly memorable.

“There were a lot of people, and I was extremely excited to go out there,” he added. “It was a very powerful feeling. I want to experience it again and again.”

Abdelkarim said his immediate ambition was to contribute to Barcelona’s objectives whenever he was given the chance. He wants to offer everything he can to the first team and play a role in the club’s pursuit of success.

The Egypt international youth forward also spoke positively about his attacking team-mates Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, praising both their ability and their influence on the pitch.

Describing Raphinha, Abdelkarim said: “He is a great person, and we all know that he always gives his best wherever he is on the pitch.”

He was equally enthusiastic about Lamine Yamal, saying the Spain forward has “magical talent in his feet”. Abdelkarim added that Yamal plays for both the team and the supporters.

The first-team opportunity followed an impressive pre-season for Abdelkarim. His performances during Barcelona’s preparations attracted attention, with the forward emerging as one of the club’s leading scorers during that period.

That form ultimately brought the reward he had been waiting for: a place in the senior squad and his first appearance in an official match.

Abdelkarim’s debut represents a new stage in his career inside Barcelona, where expectations are high after his progress during pre-season. The teenager will now hope to build on his first-team experience and earn further opportunities under Flick.

For Abdelkarim, the occasion was not simply the fulfilment of a personal ambition. His comments also made clear that he sees his future progress in collective terms, with the objective of helping Barcelona compete for every available prize while continuing to develop alongside established forwards such as Raphinha and Yamal.