Hamza Abdelkerim hits first Barcelona senior goal in behind-doors pre-season run-out

Barcelona prospect Hamza Abdelkerim scored his first goal for the club’s senior side in a closed-doors friendly against CE Europa on Friday, underlining his growing status under new coach Hansi Flick.

The 18-year-old Egyptian forward, recently signed permanently from Al Ahly, was handed a starting place in the frontline and struck Barcelona’s second goal after around half an hour of play in the training-ground encounter. The match, played without supporters, formed part of the Catalan club’s preparations for the 2026-27 season.

Flick’s decision to start Abdelkerim highlighted the German’s confidence in the teenager, who has quickly moved from youth-team prospect to first-team contender. Abdelkerim converted that faith into a tangible return by marking his first appearance with the senior squad in pre-season with a debut goal in Barcelona colours.

Permanent move after standout loan spell

Abdelkerim’s breakthrough comes only weeks after Barcelona confirmed they had activated the option to make his transfer from Al Ahly permanent. The forward initially joined the Spanish club on loan in January and impressed with a series of eye-catching displays for Barcelona’s youth sides.

His performances at that level led to a swift promotion into Flick’s senior pre-season plans, where he has been involved in preparations for the upcoming campaign. The goal against CE Europa is his first for the first team, but follows a sustained period of development since arriving mid-season from Egypt.

Form boosted by World Cup exposure

Abdelkerim’s impact in Barcelona’s pre-season set-up has coincided with a strong spell on the international stage. The striker recently featured in four matches with Egypt at the World Cup, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of international football.

That run with the Pharaohs has been described in local reports as a period of “flourishing” for the youngster, and his sharpness has carried over into club duty as he bids to secure more opportunities under Flick ahead of the new La Liga season.

Facing former club Al Ahly at Camp Nou

Barcelona have already confirmed that Abdelkerim is set for a high-profile reunion with his former side later this summer. The Spanish club will host Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on 19 August at Camp Nou.

The traditional curtain-raiser will offer Abdelkerim the chance to line up against the club where he began his career, only months after leaving Cairo for Catalonia. It is expected to be a significant occasion for the forward, who will arrive at the Gamper match having already opened his scoring account with Barcelona’s first team.