FC Barcelona have brought in a new young striker, and his name is Hamza Abdelkarim. The 18-year-old has joined from Al Ahly, where he even made his senior debut in the CAF Champions League, becoming the first Egyptian footballer in the club’s history. The move has already raised a few eyebrows, and plenty of fans are asking the same thing: who is he, and what’s he about? Here’s what we know so far about Barcelona’s latest addition.
Barcelona’s First Egyptian Signing
Barcelona signed Abdelkarim on loan from Al Ahly until June 2026, with an option to make the move permanent. He will initially feature for Barcelona B, giving the club time to polish his raw potential while keeping him close. The deal is expected to cost around €3 million, with bonuses potentially raising it to €5 million, a clear sign Barça believe his current €100,000 market value won’t stay that way for long.
Star of Egypt’s Youth Teams
Abdelkarim has made a name for himself with his performances for Egypt’s youth national teams. Across 19 appearances, he was directly involved in 18 goals, scoring 12 and assisting six. His breakout displays at the U-17 World Cup in November caught the attention of multiple European clubs and confirmed he was ready for a major step.
Nicknamed “The Egyptian Haaland”
Power, pace, and an appetite for goals define Abdelkarim’s game. His ability to escape markers, attack space aggressively, and strike the ball cleanly with his left foot has earned him comparisons to Erling Haaland. It’s not just about physique — it’s the confidence and ruthlessness in front of goal that really stand out.
Built for the Modern Striker Role
Standing around 185 cm, Abdelkarim has the ideal frame for a modern number nine. As his former coach Alaa Abdou put it: “He’s a complete striker: he’s good in the air, positions himself well in the box and is capable of scoring from half a chance.”
Athletic Genes Run in the Family
Sport is in Abdelkarim’s DNA. His father was a high-level volleyball player for Al Ahly, known for his explosive leap — a trait Hamza clearly inherited. His uncle also played volleyball for the club and now works within the federation, giving the family deep roots in elite competition.
Inspired by Neymar and Zlatan
Growing up, Abdelkarim’s football hero was Neymar, inspired by flair and creativity. As his body developed and his role became clearer, his admiration shifted toward Zlatan Ibrahimović. The swagger, physical dominance, and larger-than-life presence are qualities he now tries to bring into his own game.
What Comes Next
Hamza Abdelkarim’s journey at Barcelona is only starting, but the expectations are already high. The leap from Cairo to Catalonia is massive, yet everything about his rise suggests he’s ready for the challenge. If his development continues on this path, Barcelona may have secured not just a historic signing, but a striker built for the future.
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