Expert settle the debate: Does Hamza Abdel Karim have what it takes to become the “new Salah”?

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Foot Africa

·11. November 2025

Expert settle the debate: Does Hamza Abdel Karim have what it takes to become the “new Salah”?

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The Egyptian prodigy Hamza Abdel Karim stole the spotlight during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which continues to unfold in Qatar.

The Al Ahly youngster played a pivotal role in helping his national team secure a spot in the round of 32 of the world’s premier youth competition.

Hamza Abdel Karim’s dazzling performances at the U-17 World Cup have ignited excitement among Egyptian fans, with many already drawing comparisons between him and Pharaohs’ captain Mohamed Salah.

Foot Africa reached out to Egyptian football expert Mohab Ahmed to answer the burning question: Can Abdel Karim follow in Salah’s footsteps and establish himself as one of the world’s top strikers?

His current level is excellent for his age. He’s a powerful striker, brimming with self-confidence and capable of unsettling any defense. Physically, he’s stronger than Mohamed Salah was at the same age—his strength closely resembles that of Ramadan Sobhi when he broke into the first team. His height gives him a clear advantage in aerial duels and heading ability.

It’s too early to predict whether he can truly follow Salah’s path, but he possesses all the attributes to prove himself at the highest level in the near future.At the moment, it’s difficult to see him moving abroad, and Al Ahly will likely do everything to keep him, especially given the club’s current striker crisis. He also needs to learn from Ramadan Sobhi’s experience—Sobhi took the risk of moving overseas at a young age, which was one of the main reasons for his struggles abroad.However, if he continues to develop and maintains his upward trajectory, Al Ahly could allow him to pursue a move abroad in three or four years at most—just as they did with Trezeguet in the past.

What has Hamza Abdel Karim delivered at the U-17 World Cup?

The promising talent has contributed to three goals—both scoring and assisting—during the U-17 World Cup finals. Abdel Karim scored and provided an assist in the group opener against Haiti, before finding the net again in the second group match against Venezuela.