Following the departure of longtime star Robert Lewandowski, speculation surrounded FC Barcelona regarding who would secure the mantle of the club`s next primary striker. Amidst failed pursuits of alternative targets and deadline-day squad adjustments, 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim unexpectedly emerged to capture headlines in both Catalonia and Egypt, according to Al Jazeera.
Abdelkarim secured his status as Barcelona`s top scorer during the preseason campaign, netting four goals across five matches. Notably, he scored against his boyhood club, Al Ahly, during the Joan Gamper Trophy fixture on August 19, choosing respectfully not to celebrate the milestone. His physical presence and dominance inside the penalty box have prompted comparisons to Norwegian star Erling Haaland among supporters.
Having arrived from Al Ahly through an initial low-risk agreement during the winter transfer window, Abdelkarim quickly adapted despite administrative paperwork delays. He previously scored six goals in eleven appearances for the Under-19 squad and gained valuable international experience representing Egypt at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup.
Despite lacking extensive senior club experience, national team manager Hossam Hassan selected the teenager for Egypt`s 2026 World Cup squad. Abdelkarim made his senior international debut in a friendly against Brazil and subsequently featured in four World Cup matches, cementing his status as one of African football`s most promising young talents.
