Spanish recognition of Egyptian skill.. Catalan press sings of Hamza Abdelkarim's nomination for CAF Awards 2026

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo has turned the spotlight on Egyptian sensation Hamza Abdelkarim after the Barcelona forward was named among the ten nominees for the 2026 CAF Men's Young Player of the Year award.

The 18 year old's inclusion in the prestigious African shortlist represents another important milestone in his rapidly developing career which has taken him from Egyptian giants Al Ahly to Barcelona's first team in less than a year.

In an article published on Wednesday 4 November, Mundo Deportivo highlighted Abdelkarim's nomination alongside another Barcelona prospect, Moroccan midfielder Kautar Azraf who is competing for the corresponding women's award.

The Spanish publication underlined the significance of both nominations for the Catalan club, with two 18 year old African talents receiving continental recognition.

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Mundo Deportivo celebrates Hamza Abdelkarim's rapid rise at Barcelona

In its coverage, Mundo Deportivo paid particular attention to Abdelkarim's development since arriving in Catalonia.

The Spanish newspaper highlighted how the Egyptian forward has progressed through different levels of Barcelona's football structure, representing the U19 team and Barca Atletic before earning opportunities under first team coach Hansi Flick.

The recognition comes after a remarkable year for the youngster, who initially joined Barcelona on loan from Al Ahly in February 2026.

As reported at the time, his arrival made him the first Egyptian footballer to sign for the Catalan giants.

Despite experiencing administrative delays at the beginning of his spell, Abdelkarim quickly demonstrated his attacking potential.

He scored on his youth team debut against Huesca on 8 March before producing several impressive performances during the final stages of the 2025 /26 season.

The Egyptian finished that campaign with six league goals in nine appearances for Barcelona's U19 side including a memorable hat trick in a 9-0 victory over Montecarlo that helped the club secure the Division de Honor title.

His performances convinced Barcelona to exercise their purchase option, turning his initial loan into a permanent transfer in June.

From Al Ahly to Barcelona's first team: A historic year for Abdelkarim

Abdelkarim's development accelerated further during Barcelona's preparations for the 2026 /27 campaign.

The Egyptian striker impressed Hansi Flick during preseason, scoring four goals to finish as the team's leading scorer in summer friendlies.

His impressive displays included a brace against Birmingham City, demonstrating his finishing ability and movement inside the penalty area.

As Foot Africa previously highlighted, his performances strengthened his case for greater involvement with the senior squad.

That opportunity eventually arrived on 31 August when Abdelkarim made his competitive Barcelona debut against Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The appearance represented a historic achievement, making him the first Egyptian player to feature for Barcelona in an official senior match.

His progress was subsequently rewarded with a new contract until 30 June 2030, confirming the club's long term commitment to his development.

The 18 year old also gained valuable international experience during the FIFA World Cup 2026, making four appearances for Egypt as the Pharaohs reached the round of 16.

His combination of club and international experience has now earned him recognition among Africa's most promising emerging footballers.

Who is competing with Hamza Abdelkarim for the CAF Young Player award?

The Egyptian forward faces strong competition for the 2026 CAF Men's Young Player of the Year prize.

According to the official list released by the Confederation of African Football, ten players have been nominated for the distinction.

Among Abdelkarim's competitors is Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, who has established himself as an exciting attacking prospect at Real Madrid.

Algeria midfielder Ibrahim Maza and Cameroon striker Christian Kofane are also included following their performances with Bayer Leverkusen.

Morocco is represented by Manchester City's Ayoub Bouaddi and Ajax youngster Abdellah Ouazane.

The shortlist also features Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye, Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi, Ivory Coast's Christ Inao and Mali's Ismael Kamissoko.

As Foot Africa detailed in its coverage of the nominations, the award brings together emerging African talents from several of Europe's major leagues.

For Abdelkarim, competing against such players represents another significant achievement at an early stage of his professional career.

Barcelona's African talents earn double recognition

Mundo Deportivo's coverage also drew attention to Moroccan youngster Kautar Azraf who has been nominated for the CAF Women's Young Player of the Year award.

Like Abdelkarim, Azraf is 18 years old and represents Barcelona, although she currently plays for the club's women's reserve team.

Born in Manresa, Spain, the Moroccan midfielder began her development at CF Igualada before joining Barcelona's youth structure at the age of 11.

Her inclusion in the women's shortlist, alongside Abdelkarim's nomination in the men's category, gives Barcelona representation in both young player award races.

The Catalan club's recognition reflects the presence of African talent across its men's and women's development programmes.

When will the 2026 CAF Young Player of the Year winner be announced?

The winners of the CAF Awards 2026 will be revealed during a ceremony scheduled for Monday 7 December in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event will celebrate outstanding performances across African football, recognising players, coaches, clubs and national teams.

For Abdelkarim, the nomination comes during a defining period in his development.

Having already completed a historic move to Barcelona, represented Egypt at the World Cup and made his first competitive appearance under Hansi Flick, the young striker now has the opportunity to add a prestigious individual African honour to his growing list of achievements.

Regardless of the eventual result, the attention from Mundo Deportivo and his inclusion among the continent's ten nominated youngsters underline how far the former Al Ahly prospect has progressed during 2026.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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