FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal reflects on his dark period | OneFootball

FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal reflects on his dark period | OneFootball

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·1 March 2026

FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal reflects on his dark period

Article image:FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal reflects on his dark period

Lamine Yamal's confession after his hat-trick against Villarreal

Article image:FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal reflects on his dark period

FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal reflects on his dark period


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On Saturday night, Lamine Yamal put on a show against Villarreal. The Spanish prodigy netted a hat-trick. After the game, he opened up about his recent dark period.

In a high-voltage clash against Villarreal, Lamine Yamal did it all—devastating dribbles, the composure of a seasoned veteran, and, most importantly, three goals. Yet, just a few days ago, the mood surrounding the Spanish sensation was very different.

Questions swirled about his physical condition and the lingering groin pain that had plagued him for weeks. After the match, Yamal revealed that his struggles extended beyond the pitch.

"Yes [it's behind me], but at that moment, it was a mix of everything. I didn't feel well, I wasn't happy, it was a combination of many things," he explained. Lamine Yamal has rediscovered the pure joy of football: playing for pleasure. "For a week now, I've been happy playing, I've found my smile again," he added.

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