From Barça B to the World Cup: Hamza Abdelkarim, Egypt's big hope | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup will be the farewell stage for many legends in their last dance, but also the first glimpse of international football’s rising talents, some more well-known than others. Among the names flying under the radar but demanding attention, one stands out: Hamza Abdelkarim, the gem who surprised everyone after making Egypt’s 26-man squad without even having debuted for the senior national team, but who, according to those deep inside the coaching staff, has all the potential to become one of the future stars of world football.

Born on New Year’s Day in 2008 in Cairo, the sharp 1.82-meter striker had his first contact with football in Malaysia, while his father, a former volleyball player, worked at an academy in Kuala Lumpur. In 2020, he joined Al Ahly’s youth ranks, and that is where a youth career that progressed by leaps and bounds began. In February 2025, at just 17 years and one month old, he made his first-division debut wearing the Egyptian club’s shirt, becoming the team’s youngest footballer of this century, breaking Ramadan Sobhi’s record.

At the same time, his development in Egypt’s youth national teams put him on the radar of leading scouts from several European clubs. After shining with the Under-17s at the Africa Cup and the World Cup and scoring 12 goals in 21 matches, Dutch side Feyenoord took notice, but Al Ahly quickly renewed his contract. However, in February 2026, Barcelona came calling and took him on loan for their reserve side, Barça B.

Abdelkarim starred at the Under-17 level and will now be at the senior World Cup (Photo: Mohamed Farag – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The player dubbed the “New Salah” by the Egyptian press took some time to make his debut for the culé youth side, but when he did, he shattered all expectations: in just 15 minutes, he scored three headers to seal the league title. But he did not stop there: he already has eight goals in eleven matches, and Barcelona are working against the clock to sign him permanently thanks to the €1.5 million purchase option. Even Hansi Flick, coach of the first team, acknowledged that he is in the plans for next preseason.

Against the backdrop of a possible move to Spain, Egypt acted quickly, and coach Hossam Hassan included him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite him still not having made his senior national team debut and having only a handful of first-division appearances. If he makes his debut, he will once again break a record still held by Ramadan Sobhi as the youngest footballer to represent his country. Despite his young age, the outlook is encouraging: alongside him in the final squad are Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trezeguet, all natural wingers. As the only true number nine on the list, Egypt’s gem will probably be one to watch at this World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.