Hamza Abdelkarim became the first Egyptian to represent Barcelona’s senior team competitively during the La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Hansi Flick introduced the 18-year-old in the 86th minute at Spotify Camp Nou. He replaced Raphinha with Barcelona leading 4-2. The appearance made Abdelkarim the first Egyptian to play an official first-team match for Barcelona.
Abdelkarim wore the No. 29 shirt and completed the closing stages without a goal or assist. Lamine Yamal added Barcelona’s fifth goal in the 90th minute.
Flick fulfilled a promise he made before the match. The Barcelona coach had praised Abdelkarim’s development but stopped short of confirming his involvement against Rayo.
“He deserves to play, and he will play,” Flick said, as KingFut reported the previous day. Flick also said the forward had improved each day and displayed the correct attitude and mentality.
Rayo took the lead through Sergio Camello in the 12th minute after capitalising on a Barcelona defensive mistake. However, Raphinha equalised seven minutes later before Yamal completed the turnaround in the 21st minute.
Barcelona then extended their advantage after half-time when Florian Lejeune diverted Anthony Gordon’s cross into his own net.
Camello headed his second goal in the 59th minute to bring Rayo back into the contest, but Raphinha restored Barcelona’s two-goal lead in the 71st minute.
Yamal then completed his brace after Abdelkarim entered the pitch, sealing the 5-2 victory.
The result gave Barcelona three wins from their opening three league matches. They moved level with Real Madrid on nine points but lead the standings on goal difference.
Abdelkarim had already represented Barcelona’s first team during pre-season. He scored twice on his unofficial debut during a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City.
The Egypt international later scored against Basel and former club Al Ahly. His four goals made him Barcelona’s leading scorer during pre-season.