Comparisons in football have long been used to frame emerging talent. In earlier eras, young players were often labelled as the “next Pelé” or “next Maradona”, followed by a period dominated by references to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. More recently, the benchmark has shifted towards Norway’s prolific striker Erling Haaland. In this context, a young Egyptian forward, Hamza Abdelkarim, has begun to attract attention and is being referred to by some as the “Egyptian Haaland”.
Hamza currently plays for FC Barcelona U19. On Sunday, the side recorded a comprehensive 9–0 victory over Monte Carlo in the Spanish Youth Honour Division. The match highlighted Hamza’s aerial ability, as he scored three goals, all with headers. His performance stood out in a game already notable for its one-sided scoreline.
Barcelona’s Under-19 team have already secured the league title this season. Their focus has now shifted to the Youth Champions Cup, where they will enter at the quarter-final stage. The competition will proceed through two-legged quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and a final to conclude the youth campaign. In these decisive fixtures, particular attention is expected to be placed on Hamza, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch.
The 18-year-old joined Barcelona’s Under-19 side on loan from Al Ahly on 1 February this year. Under the terms of the agreement, the club has the option to sign him permanently for a reported fee of €2 million at the end of the season. His initial period at the club was affected by administrative complications and subsequently by injury, which limited his early involvement. However, since returning to action, he has begun to demonstrate his capabilities.
To date, Hamza has scored four goals for Barcelona’s youth side, with all of them coming from headers. This unusual consistency in aerial finishing has contributed to comparisons with Haaland, particularly in relation to physical presence and effectiveness inside the penalty area.
A summary of Hamza Abdelkarim’s key details and performance is presented below:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Hamza Abdelkarim |
| Age | 18 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Position | Centre-forward |
| Dominant foot | Left |
| Current team | FC Barcelona U19 |
| Previous club | Al Ahly |
| Loan start date | 1 February |
| Purchase option | €2 million |
| Goals (U19) | 4 |
| Headers (U19 goals) | 4 |
Hamza is described as a traditional “number nine” striker. He is primarily left-footed and has shown an ability to occupy defenders effectively. His principal strength lies in finishing, particularly within the penalty area, where he has proven to be most productive. His performances indicate that he is capable of contributing both with his feet and in aerial situations.
At senior level, FC Barcelona currently rely on Robert Lewandowski, whose age is advancing and whose contract is approaching its later stages. This situation may create a future requirement for a central striker, prompting internal monitoring of emerging options such as Hamza.
Despite growing attention, no formal announcement has yet been made regarding the activation of his purchase clause. Pau Campaña, media spokesperson for the club’s youth academy La Masia, stated in an Egyptian programme titled “Modern Sports” that any decision would be communicated officially. He added that discussions regarding Hamza Abdelkarim are expected in the coming days, while the club remains focused on celebrating their title success and planning ahead.
