Hossam Hassan, the head coach of the Egyptian national team, confirmed that he played a role in Hamza Abdel Karim's transfer to Barcelona after the 2026 World Cup.
Hamza Abdel Karim joined Barcelona on a permanent basis from Al Ahly during the last summer transfer window.
Hamza Abdel Karim participated in the 2026 World Cup with the Egyptian national team as the youngest player in the tournament.
During the press conference, Hossam Hassan said: "By God's grace, choosing Hamza Abdel Karim at his age is certainly not an easy matter, because he was not playing for Barcelona's first team. Thank God, people in Barcelona watched him with the Egyptian national team. This is a source of pride for us and for all of Africa, having players like Salah and Marmoush, and a player who plays for Barcelona. By God's grace, we had a role in his transfer."
He added: "Over time, he will gain experience from his senior teammates. I have confidence in him; in the future, he will be better with the national team, and he will play a role and prove himself at Barcelona."
Hamza Abdel Karim scored Egypt's fifth goal during their 5-0 victory over South Sudan in tonight's match, part of the second round of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hamza Abdel Karim's goal came when he was 18 years, 8 months, and 28 days old, making him the third-youngest scorer in the history of the Egyptian national team.
