Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim has been nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year award for 2026.
The 18-year-old has been shortlisted after a year where he signed for Barcelona on a permanent basis and played for Egypt at World Cup 2026.
Abdelkarim has plenty of competition for the prize with players such as Ibrahim Maza, Yan Diomande, Ayoub Bouaddi and Ibrahim Mbaye also in the running.
Here’s a look at the shortlist:
It’s definitely been an eventful 2026 for Hamza. He initially signed for Barca Atletic from Egyptian side Al Ahly in February on an initial loan.
The striker made an impression with Juliano Belletti’s side and secured a permanent transfer in the summer. He’s since been rewarded with an improved contract and has spent most of the current campaign with the first team.
Abdelkarim also played for the World Cup with Egypt, making four appearances in the competition as the Pharoahs made it to the last 16 before being knocked out by Argentina in a dramatic match.
The winners of the CAF awards will be announced at a ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 07 December 2026.
Good luck, Hamza!
