Lamine Yamal says he is beginning to enjoy his football again after a challenging spell this season, highlighted by the first hat trick of his professional career.
The Barcelona and Spain forward admitted that for much of the current campaign he has not felt fully comfortable or at his best on the pitch. While he did not go into detail about the specific reasons, he acknowledged that the season has been difficult on a personal and sporting level. The 18-year-old, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football, said that this recent performance has helped change his outlook.
Yamal’s hat trick marked a significant personal milestone and served as a release of the tension that had been building through a period of inconsistent form and limited enjoyment. He described a sense of relief and renewed enthusiasm after finally seeing his efforts translate into a complete performance and decisive contribution for his team.
Speaking after the match, Yamal explained that he had spent much of the season feeling out of rhythm and struggling to find his usual freedom in attack. He suggested that the pressure and expectations surrounding him may have played a role in that discomfort, even if he stopped short of specifying exactly what had weighed on him. The hat trick, however, allowed him to reconnect with the simple satisfaction of playing well, scoring goals, and helping his side.
The forward emphasized that the most important aspect of the night was not just the three goals themselves, but the sense that he was once again playing with confidence and joy. He indicated that this performance could be a turning point, offering a foundation to build on in the coming weeks.
Yamal also expressed appreciation for the support he has received from teammates and coaches during a period when he did not feel at his best. Their trust, he noted, made it easier for him to keep working and ultimately to reach this breakthrough moment.
With his first career hat trick now behind him and his confidence on the rise, Yamal said he is focused on maintaining this positive feeling and continuing to contribute. While he acknowledged that one performance does not solve everything, he underlined that being able to say he is “happy” again on the pitch is an important step forward for both himself and his club.
