​Just a month ago, Hamza Abdelkarim was largely unknown to most football fans. Today, the Egyptian striker returns from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a burgeoning reputation, and his efforts have elevated him into the spotlight. As summer approaches, the 18-year-old has a fresh and critical objective: to persuade Hansi Flick that he deserves a spot in Barcelona’s first-team plans, according to MARCA.
Abdelkarim’s ascent over the past few months has been remarkable. He joined Barcelona on loan from Al Ahly in January to bolster the club’s Juvenil A squad. Administrative issues delayed his official debut until March, but once he was eligible to play, he quickly impressed the coaching staff with his performances and potential, contributing to the team’s Division de Honor Juvenil title victory. The youngster’s impact was such that Barcelona decided to exercise the €1.5 million purchase option last month, ensuring the permanent signing of one of Egypt’s most highly regarded young talents.
During the World Cup, Hamza received substantial exposure on the world stage. The 18-year-old forward spent the latter half of the previous season with Barça’s Juvenil A side, having limited experience at the highest level before the tournament. Nevertheless, Egypt’s national team coach showed confidence in one of the country’s brightest prospects, and Hamza delivered. He played a meaningful role throughout much of Egypt’s World Cup campaign, reinforcing his status as a standout talent back home. Abdelkarim featured in four of Egypt’s five matches, with the only absence coming in the Round of 16 defeat to Argentina, which ended Egypt’s progression in Qatar.
The pivotal factor now is convincing Flick. In a matter of months, Hamza has undergone a striking transformation, and his World Cup performances have only solidified his growing reputation. With attention now turning toward his next steps, Abdelkarim is prioritizing earning Flick’s trust and a place in Barcelona’s first-team plans. Everything suggests that Hamza could join the Barcelona first-team squad for pre-season, but the final decision hinges on whether he reports from day one of training or receives a brief holiday following a demanding summer with the national team.
There have been whispers that the 18-year-old could be directly promoted to Barcelona’s first-team setup. Yet to achieve that milestone, he must first win over Flick and demonstrate to the coaching staff that he deserves a place in the immediate plans. The path ahead points toward a pre-season integration with Barcelona’s first team, but the precise timing remains contingent on Flick’s assessment and the player’s readiness after a summer filled with national-team commitments. For Abdelkarim, the next chapter is clear: prove himself in training, seize every opportunity in friendlies, and show that he belongs at the highest level with Barcelona’s senior squad.