Barcelona's Spanish international Lamine Yamal has publicly backed fellow rising star Hamza Abdelakarim to fulfill his considerable potential both at club and international level. The endorsement comes as Abdelakarim continues to settle into his expanded role within Hansi Flick's squad, having secured permanent status at the Catalan giants following an impressive loan spell and standout performances for Barcelona's U19 side.
The 18-year-old striker's pathway to the first team represents a significant show of faith from the club's hierarchy. Rather than send Abdelakarim out on loan to a LaLiga rival for the 2026/27 campaign as some had suggested, Flick opted to integrate him directly into his senior plans over the summer. Barcelona initially brought Abdelakarim in on loan for the second half of the previous season, before activating a permanent clause in June that formalized his long-term commitment to the club.
Yamal, who understands intimately the pressures that young Barcelona players face, offered reassuring words about his teammate's trajectory. "He's a player with a bright future," Yamal stated. "He's still young and has all the qualities to be a great striker. I think he'll make the most of his time with the team and score a lot of goals. He's a very adaptable player and we always try to make him feel comfortable." The winger emphasized Abdelakarim's prolific goalscoring ability while urging patience in his development: "Everything will come in time. So I advise him to stay calm and focused."
Looking ahead, Yamal expressed optimism about Abdelakarim's broader impact, extending beyond Barcelona's interests. "Hamza has the skills and abilities to achieve what he wants, and I hope he becomes a football legend in Egypt," Yamal concluded, highlighting the dual expectations now resting on the young striker as both a Barcelona prospect and an emerging force in Egyptian football.