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

The 2026 World Cup will be the farewell stage for countless legends in their last dance, but also the first glimpse of international football’s rising stars, some better known than others. Among the names flying under the radar but knocking on the door, one that stands out is 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 inside the coaching staff, has all the potential to become one of the future stars of world football.

Born on New Year’s Day 2008 in Cairo, the explosive 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 player 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 top scouts from several European clubs. After shining with the U-17 side at the Africa Cup and the World Cup and scoring 12 goals in 21 matches, Dutch club Feyenoord took notice, but Al Ahly quickly renewed his contract. However, in February 2026, Barcelona came in and signed him on loan for its reserve team, Barça B.

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

The so-called “New Salah” by the Egyptian press took some time to make his debut for the culé youth team, 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, admitted that he is in the plans for next preseason.

With the possibility of settling in Spain as a backdrop, Egypt moved quickly and coach Hossam Hassan included him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, even though he has not yet debuted for the senior national team and has only a handful of first-division matches under his belt. If he makes his debut, he will once again break a record held by Ramadan Sobhi as the youngest player to represent his country. Despite his young age, the outlook is promising: 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.