Hamza Abdelkarim finds himself at the center of attention in Egypt after a tense exchange with head coach Hossam Hassan following the Pharaohs’ 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Sunday.
The 18-year-old FC Barcelona forward had started on the bench despite scoring his first senior international goal against South Sudan just days earlier, prompting fresh questions about his role with the national team.
According to Sport, Abdelkarim and Hassan had a heated discussion on the pitch after the final whistle. Images of the exchange quickly spread across Egyptian media, with observers debating the circumstances behind the confrontation and the way Hassan manages the highly rated forward. Former Egypt international Bashir El Tabei also questioned the decision to leave Abdelkarim on the bench, arguing that the youngster deserved an opportunity to start.
The controversy comes as Abdelkarim continues to attract attention at both club and international level. After scoring four goals during Barcelona’s summer pre-season, he made his competitive debut for the first team before scoring his first goal for Egypt against South Sudan.
Barcelona also extended his contract until 2030 in September, underlining the club’s confidence in his potential. Hansi Flick and Deco have decided to keep him in the squad rather than send him out on loan, while the latest episode with Egypt adds another intriguing chapter to the teenager’s rapid rise.
