Hamza Abdelkarim is both the present and future of FC Barcelona. After a great preseason, including scoring four goals, and a first team debut, the Egyptian forward renewed his contract until 2030 on Friday. A few days later, it has now been officially recognised at the head office in Spotify Camp Nou. His home.

Living the dream, but ambitious

"It's a dream", he assured to the media, while stating that his goal has always been to get into the first team. The forward is aware that playing time depends on the coach, but he is very clear on what needs to be done to be ready: "You have to see what you can work on and improve, and that's what we do every day. I know I have to improve".

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'I want to write history with Barça'

He also knows his responsibility as a forward: "Everyone knows that forwards have to score goals to help the team". As such, he assures that he will work every day to make the most of his opportunities. "I am committed and give 100% every day". One of the aspects he cherishes most is how he was welcomed into the first team environment. "The coach and all the coaching staff really support me and help me improve many things. The dressing room have supported me from day one. It's a family, more than just a team".

He also thinks about the fans' support and the big expectations from Egypt. "People supporting me isn't pressure, it's trust. I am proud and have to keep working to make those people proud".

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The 6-1 against PSG, his first blaugrana memory

In that sense, he doesn't rule out playing for the development side to continue his progress if needed to come into the first team in the best possible shape. He also mentioned his first memory of the blaugranes, the famous 6-1 against PSG. "I saw that game with my brother and we couldn't believe it. And now I'm here", he said.

Once the time with the press was over, Abdelkarim spent a few minutes answering fan questions from Youtube channel members on a live stream. He told us a bit more, such as who was his idol when he was younger – Mohamed Salah, as is to be expected – or whether he prefers a winning goal in the last minute or a hat-trick. "The first ensures you win, but you can score three goals and not win", he said.

He is also learning Spanish and Catalan, his best friends in the dressing room are Roony Bardghji and Karim Adeyemi, and he is firmly focused on the present, because the most important game "is the one tomorrow". The future will come. A future that is with Barça from today through to 2030.

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