​FC Barcelona’s promising starlet Hamza Abdelkarim has already issued his first statement ahead of the new season, and it comes off the pitch. According to SPORT, the highly regarded Egyptian striker has opted to forgo his summer break after representing Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in order to report for Barcelona’s first-team pre-season on July 13. This decision underscores the ambition of the 18-year-old forward, who is determined to seize every opportunity to convince Hansi Flick that he deserves a spot in the senior squad.
Hamza’s summer has been non-stop. After helping Barcelona’s Juvenil A side in the Copa de Campeones, he immediately joined Egypt’s national team for the World Cup, leaving little time for recovery. Following Egypt’s elimination by Argentina in the Round of 16, the striker could have taken a well-earned rest. Instead, he has chosen to return directly to Barcelona and begin preparations for the new campaign on Monday.
The pre-season is set to start on Monday, with the training camp opening under Flick’s watch. The news was revealed by Hamza’s aunt, Mona Abdel Karim, a well-known presenter for Nile Sport, who confirmed via her social media channels that the forward would travel to Barcelona on Monday to join the first-team’s pre-season activities. She explained that Hamza made this decision because he does not want to miss a single day of preparation as he seeks to win Flick’s confidence.
Despite being just 18 years old, Hamza earned his place with Egypt throughout the World Cup, making several appearances from the bench. The tournament further demonstrated the trust that the Egyptian Football Federation has in one of the country’s brightest young talents. Following Egypt’s exit, the entire national team, including Hamza, was welcomed by the country’s president in recognition of their participation.
This pre-season is expected to be pivotal for Hamza’s development. Flick plans to involve several academy players during the opening weeks of training, presenting the young striker with an ideal opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs in the first-team environment. As previously reported, Barcelona currently do not foresee Hamza playing a leading role for Barça Atlètic. Instead, the club believes his development will benefit more from staying close to the senior squad, where he offers a different profile.
Indeed, the 18-year-old is a traditional center-forward with impressive physical strength, capable of playing with his back to goal, holding off central defenders, and winning aerial duels. That classic No. 9 profile could prove to be a crucial tactical weapon during the season, particularly in matches that demand a greater physical presence in attack. By giving up his holidays, Hamza has sent a clear message about his commitment, signaling a determined push to earn more playing time and a place in Barcelona’s long-term plans.