From coming through Al Ahly’s youth ranks to wearing Barcelona’s famous blaugrana shirt at Camp Nou, Hamza Abdelkarim’s journey has been nothing short of special. The Egyptian forward made his way from Al Ahly’s U16 side to Europe, and now, just months after joining Barcelona, he found himself facing his boyhood club, but this time as part of the Spanish giants’ lineup.
For Egyptians, it is a moment worth celebrating. Hamza has already made a strong impression during Barcelona’s preseason, scoring four goals across three matches, including a brace against Birmingham City, another against Basel and one against Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Goal #1: A Confident Start Against Birmingham
Hamza opened his Barcelona scoring account against Birmingham City, and he did it from the penalty spot. After winning the penalty himself following a foul inside the box, the 18-year-old stepped up and calmly sent the ball into the net to bring Barcelona level. He followed the goal with a sujood, marking a memorable first senior goal in the Barça shirt.
Goal #2: A Quick Follow-Up
Hamza wasn’t done yet. Just minutes after his first goal, he found the net again to complete his brace. After the Birmingham goalkeeper parried a shot from outside the box, Hamza reacted quickly, followed up on the rebound, and fired it home. His two goals helped Barcelona to a 2-2 draw before Birmingham eventually won the match on penalties.
Goal #3: Making His Mark Against Basel
Hamza continued his scoring run against Basel, coming off the bench at the start of the second half and needing just four minutes to get on the scoresheet. The Egyptian striker finished a Barcelona move to make it 2-0, helping his side eventually secure a 5-2 victory in Switzerland.
Goal #4: The One That Meant the Most
Then came the goal that was always going to feel different. Facing Al Ahly at Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy, Hamza started for Barcelona against the club where his journey began. He opened the scoring after a well-worked move, helping Barça take a 2-1 victory, but he chose not to celebrate out of respect for his boyhood club.
What’s Next for Hamza?
Four goals in three preseason matches have put Hamza firmly in the spotlight. His movement, finishing and ability to take his chances have made him one of Barcelona’s standout young players, with manager Hansi Flick also praising what he brings as a centre-forward.
For Hamza, the journey is only beginning. Going from Al Ahly’s academy to scoring at Camp Nou against the club he grew up supporting is the kind of story Egyptian football fans can’t help but be proud of. Whatever comes next, Hamza has already given Egypt plenty to celebrate and there could be many more Barça goals to come.
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