FC Barcelona teenager Hamza Abdelkarim is making a strong case for first-team manager Hansi Flick. The young Egyptian striker stood out in the Joan Gamper Trophy match, scoring the opening goal against his former club, Al Ahly, during Barcelona’s Blaugrana’s 2-1 victory.
With this goal, Hamza finished pre-season as Barcelona’s leading scorer, netting four goals.
Following the match, the 18-year-old, who joined the club permanently this summer after spending six months on loan with the Juvenil A team, spoke with journalist Achraf Ben Ayad.
Hamza’s Excitement
The forward was visibly thrilled after such a memorable evening, scoring at Camp Nou against the team that nurtured his talent. This experience made the Gamper Trophy match even more special for him, especially as he took advantage of the opportunities Flick provided during pre-season.
“Thank God, and God willing, this is only the beginning,” he expressed.
Hamza scored on his Camp Nou debut against his previous club. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The young striker acknowledged the unique feeling of facing his former team at Camp Nou, stating:
“Of course, it’s a different feeling. I’m very happy because this is the club that developed me, and I hope I can live up to their expectations.”
Flick’s Support as a Key Factor
Hamza also shared his thoughts on his initial weeks under Hansi Flick, noting how his role has gradually expanded during pre-season, with the German manager publicly praising his striking abilities.
“Thank God, Hansi is giving me a lot of confidence,” he remarked.
This confidence has translated into increased playing time—and, more importantly, goals.
Making the most of his chances. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
The interview provided Hamza with a chance to address the Arab supporters who closely followed his performance in the Gamper Trophy.
“Thank you very much, truly. The fans deserve it… they deserved it today,” he expressed.
Hamza’s efficiency in front of goal has positioned him as a viable candidate for Barcelona’s No. 9 spot, but he still awaits clarity on his role once the squad is finalized.
Barcelona continues to shape its attacking lineup, but Hamza is doing everything he can to give Flick compelling reasons to keep him on the team. For the time being, Hamza remains grounded, but with four pre-season goals and an impactful performance, he is inching closer to securing a place in Barcelona’s first team.