Hamza Abdelkarim talks Lamine, Rodri, Flick, Ballon d’Or after Barcelona renewal: ‘It’s a dream to be at this club’ | OneFootball

Last week, FC Barcelona announced that they had reached an agreement with Hamza Abdelkarim to extend his contract until 2030, securing the future of the 18-year-old forward after his rapid development over recent months.

Hamza joined Barcelona’s youth setup during the winter transfer window, initially on loan, and has since made significant progress both on the pitch and in terms of his growing profile.

Following that, Barça signed him permanently for €1.5 million, with the teenager penning a contract running until 2029 with a €15 million release clause.

His rapid development prompted Barcelona to reopen negotiations and offer him improved terms.

The new agreement includes a substantially higher release clause. Barcelona have not disclosed the exact figure, although reports suggest that it has been increased to €150 million.

Hamza focused on developing at Barcelona

Earlier today, Hamza completed the formal contract signing process at the club offices, following which he was presented to the media.

Answering questions from the journalists present at the press conference, the teenager, who was Barcelona’s top scorer in pre-season gave a glimpse of his maturity despite being only 18 years.

The Egyptian forward says his priority is continuing to improve and taking his opportunities when they arrive, given as he has not played much despite impressing in pre-season.

Hamza Abdelkarim with Joan Laporta (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelona_es)

“It’s a dream to be at this club and represent it. Playing time is the coach’s decision and I respect that. I work every day to improve,” he said.

“I need time to get better and help the team. I know the minutes will come and I have to be ready when they do.”

Recollecting his first memories of Barcelona, the 18-year-old Egyptian international said: “I watched the thrashing of PSG with my brother at home, that’s my first childhood memory of Barça. When I found out they wanted me, it was exciting for me.”

No connection between his minutes and the renewal

Hamza also rejected suggestions that his limited playing time compared with Xavi Espart was connected to his contract negotiations.

“I don’t think I’ve played as much as him because of my renewal. Espart has had an incredible summer and that’s why he plays. I don’t think it’s because of the negotiations over my renewal, even though there are people saying that,” he clarified.

When asked to name some of his role models, the youngster replied: “There are a lot of good forwards. I want to enjoy this. There are very good attackers around the world. You can learn from them and I try to do that.”

For Hamza, playing for Barcelona is also about competing for trophies and contributing goals.

“It’s a dream, as I say, to come here with the idea of winning many trophies and contributing goals, which is my job as a striker.”

Flick’s support, adaptation and pressure

Hamza also highlighted the backing he has received from Hansi Flick and his coaching staff since arriving at the club.

“I’ve felt their support from the first day, from the entire staff. This dressing room is like a family. They look for ways to improve my game and help my development. I’m excited to come to training every morning.”

Living the dream. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The attention surrounding him in Egypt is something Hamza sees positively rather than as an additional burden.

“I don’t think it’s pressure, it’s confidence. I’m proud of my people for their support. I try to make them even prouder of my football.”

Hamza also acknowledged that there are still areas of his game that need improvement, particularly as he adapts to Barcelona’s football, as he said:

“There are things I need to improve, yes, and things where I can still progress. Barcelona’s style of play is different from any other and I’m in the process of adapting.”

His personal objective for the season is straightforward: “To score goals for the team, work hard and grow with this squad. I’m a striker and I’d like to help the team by contributing goals.”

Hamza backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or

Asked about the Ballon d’Or, Hamza believes Barcelona have several players capable of winning the award, but singled out Lamine Yamal.

“There are many players in the team who could win it. They would deserve it. But I think we can all agree that in Lamine’s case it would be very deserved. I’m very happy to play alongside him every day,” he said.

Hamza also spoke about UEFA’s decision to award Spotify Camp Nou the 2029 Champions League final, saying:

“It would be wonderful, incredible to be able to play it in 2029, especially seeing all these trophies in this room. But my focus is on this year, preparing for this year’s Champions League.”

On his plans and ambitions

After representing the Juvenil A setup during his loan stint in the second half of 2025/26, Hamza has directly jumped to the senior team this season, skipping the reserve team, Barça Atletic, altogether.

On whether he would consider playing for Juliano Belletti’s team, he noted: “I don’t know if I’ll play with the reserve team. I don’t think I shouldn’t, and I shouldn’t be ashamed if I do.

“It’s very important to get playing time, score goals, train with the first team, and prove myself on the pitch, wherever it may be—with the first team, the reserves, the national team… I work every day for that.”

Asked about his dreams at Barcelona, the youngster replied: “I repeat. I want to score goals, win trophies, especially the Champions League. But I prefer to talk about goals rather than dreams, because that’s how I see it.”

Regarding his nickname ‘Haaland of the Nile’, the Barcelona prodigy insisted that the Manchester City superstar is an exceptional player and one he tries to learn from.

“Haaland is a great striker, incredible at scoring goals and being in the right position to do them. You can always learn from the greats, watching how they do it. And I like being called the Haaland of the Nile!”