Not long ago, Hamburger SV was one of Germany’s top teams. In 1983, they won the European Cup, the precursor to the Champions League. In 1987, they won the DFB Pokal for the third time, the last time they’ve won it up to date. They’ve won the league a further six times, but not since 1983. Until recently, they had spent their entire history in Germany’s top flight — relegation in 2018 changed that. They have not been able to return to the Bundesliga.
Since then, Hamburger has done what many German teams have done: trusted their academy and development. Several prospects have come and gone — Joshua Vagnoman, Jann Fiete Arp, and more — but none have returned the club to the Bundesliga. Now, they have another massive talent on their hands: Omar Megeed.
Megeed made history as the youngest player in Hamburger SV’s history, appearing on August 13th in a win over Bielefeld. In addition, he became one of the youngest players in Bundesliga 2 history, all before his 17th birthday (which, ironically, is the day of publishing.)
Omar #Megeed became the youngest HSV professional in the club‘s history yesterday at the age of 16 years and 359 days. 🔷😍
— HSV English (@HSV_English) August 14, 2022
"Hopefully we will still have a lot of joy with him, but we also need some patience," said Tim #Walter after #DSCHSV. 🗣#nurderHSV 1/2 pic.twitter.com/n9ClPAEKyJ
Megeed only got two touches, but it’s a big deal that he was in the squad. Hamburger is usually one of the Bundesliga 2’s better teams, finishing in the promotion playoffs last season. Megeed was in the squad the match before and is going to get chances as the season continues.
Omar Megeed was born in Hamburg, Germany, but plays for Egypt at youth level. In March, he made his debut for Egypt’s U20s at the age of 16 — where Ahmed Sherif, another Egyptian prospect I highlighted, also debuted. With Egypt out of the World Cup, it’s possible Megeed could make a senior appearance if he features more for Hamburger.
Megeed typically plays as a left winger, although he can also play central midfield and central attacking midfield. In his club debut, he was subbed on as a striker, although he didn’t play enough to show where Hamburger planned on using him. A strong dribbler with an eye for goal, Megeed scored seven goals in fourteen matches last season with Hamburger’s U17s. He also chipped in with three assists, including one against bitter rivals St. Pauli.
As the season continues, Megeed will look to cement himself in the Hamburger squad. Just 17 years old, the club has emphasized patience for the youngster (see: the earlier Tweet) but it’s hard not to get excited. Megeed broke a record with one of Germany’s most historic clubs and is getting an increased role with one of the league’s strongest teams. He has the potential to be crucial for Hamburger, but other clubs will surely pay attention to him now. For now, Megeed is focusing on the task at hand: playing and returning Hamburger to the Bundesliga.
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Image Courtesy of Kim Holger Kelting, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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