‘I wasn’t happy’ – Lamine Yamal explains why he’s got his smile back at Barcelona after hitting first hat-trick

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has credited his first professional hat-trick with restoring the joy to his game, admitting that he “wasn’t happy” before the 4-1 victory over Villarreal on 28 February 2026. The 18-year-old’s treble powered the Catalans to a statement win at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and, speaking after the final whistle, Yamal said the performance had lifted a weight he had been carrying for weeks.

“I wasn’t happy,” Yamal told club media. “Tonight I got my smile back.” The winger refused to keep the match ball for himself, insisting it should remain with the club, but his smile in post-match photographs suggested the memento was secondary to the renewed confidence he will take into the run-in.

Barca Blaugranes first reported the player’s emotional reaction, while ESPN’s game analysis highlighted how Yamal’s movement between the lines destabilised Villarreal’s back four. The victory keeps Barcelona firmly in the Liga title race, and with their young star rejuvenated, the momentum may have swung decisively back to the Blaugrana.