Lamine Yamal celebrates during the match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF, corresponding to week 26 of LaLiga EA Sports, played at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal confessed to a previous moment of unhappiness playing football after scoring his first ever hat trick in a 4-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Lamine put Barca two goals to the good in the first half ahead of Papa Gueye pulling one back following the interval.
The visitors then had their moments and missed an open net. On 69 minutes, though, Lamine guaranteed that he could take the match ball home and Robert Lewandowski sealed victory with a late strike to guarantee that the Catalans are four points ahead of Real Madrid at least until Monday.
Lamine’s showing again triggered widespread claims that he’s the best in-form player in the world.
As revealed by the teenager to Movistar, however, there have been difficult moments in the recent past that got in his way.
“I didn’t feel well myself, it was a mixture of everything, plus the pubalgia that I think is already forgotten, but I wasn’t happy playing and I think it showed… For a week or so I feel much better, it makes me want to smile on the pitch, which I haven’t had for a long time, and I’m very happy. Now I’m happy playing,” Lamine said.
“People want me to score 100 goals at the age of 16, I would like to too, but little by little. Scoring a goal, two… Helping the team makes me very happy.”
After being brought off to a standing ovation, Lamine was seen talking to substitute goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and shed light on the conversation.
“On the bench I was commenting with Tek that when Pedri came on everything changed. He controlled the game. The pass he gave me (for Lamine’s third goal) was incredible I’m also happy for his return.”
Asked if he is currently the best version of himself, Lamine said: “I don’t know, I leave that to you.”
On Tuesday, another hat trick would definitely help Barca in its quest to retain the Copa del Rey title.
Standing in their way is Atletico Madrid, who lead the Catalans 4-0 after a thrashing in the semifinal first leg at the Metropolitano meaning the return fixture leaves Barca needing an epic remontada to reach the decider.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2026/02/28/fc-barcelona-star-lamine-yamal-makes-confession-after-first-ever-hat-trick/
