Lamine Yamal: 'I am not happy when playing football'

Barcelona's 4-1 win against Villarreal was not just about securing three points; it also signified a particular landmark in Lamine Yamal's professional journey. Yet, the remarks from the teenage sensation are the most noteworthy aspect.

At 18 years old, the Spanish prodigy scored his first career hat-trick and also reached the milestone of 100 goal involvements. This is a fitting reward for the quiet efforts of the Spanish rising star.

In the home match, Lamine Yamal was the center of attention. His speed, technique, and confidence allowed him to constantly trouble Villarreal's defense. Notably, his second goal demonstrated the composure of a top star. Yamal calmly waited for the opposing defender to commit, skillfully handled the ball, and then unleashed a precise inside-foot shot. After the match, Lamine Yamal could not hide his excitement. However, what caught the fans' attention even more were his sincere reflections on the difficult period at the start of the season.

“I was not myself anymore. It was a mix of many things, including the pubalgia pain which I believe is now behind me. But I was not happy while playing, and it showed… For about a week now, I have been feeling much better. I want to smile on the pitch again, something I hadn't done for a long time. And now, I am truly happy to be playing football.”- Yamal shared.

His early rise to fame at Barcelona has kept Lamine Yamal under constant scrutiny. As a teenager, he was already expected to become the new icon of the Catalan club. Yamal himself understands that fans want him to consistently score, assist, and shine. But instead of chasing huge numbers, he chooses to progress step by step.

“Scoring one goal, two goals, and helping the team win has made me happy”, Yamal stated. That mindset reflects the remarkable maturity of the player born in 2008. In modern football, where media pressure can overwhelm any young talent, calmness and clear self-awareness are vital.

The role of Pedri in that brilliant night cannot be overlooked. When the Spanish midfielder came on, Barcelona's gameplay changed noticeably. His exquisite pass set up Lamine Yamal to complete the hat-trick. The connection between these two young talents promises to form the foundation for Barcelona's future.

The milestone of 100 goal contributions at age 18 is a telling figure. It reveals Lamine Yamal's immense potential but also serves as a reminder that the journey ahead is still long. The most important thing right now is not the records, but the joy of playing football has returned. When Yamal smiles on the pitch, Barcelona gains a positive source of energy.