More records tumble for Spanish-Moroccan Lamine Yamal after first Barcelona hat-trick

Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing. On Saturday, the Spanish-Moroccan teenager delivered a masterclass in FC Barcelona’s 4-1 victory over Villarreal CF in Matchday 26, scoring the first three goals of the match to record his first professional hat-trick.

Each strike, all coming from the right flank, highlighted the attacking versatility that has made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. By the 68th minute, Barcelona led 3-1, and Yamal was substituted to a standing ovation at Spotify Camp Nou, a moment reflecting both his talent and growing legend.

At just 18 years and 230 days, Yamal etched his name in history as the third-youngest player to score a LaLiga EA SPORTS hat-trick and the youngest in more than nine decades. Only Pablo Pombo in 1934 (18 years, 200 days) and José Iraragorri in 1930 (17 years, 337 days) were younger when achieving the feat in Spain’s top division. Within Barcelona’s storied history, he surpasses Giovani dos Santos (19 years, six days) and Lionel Messi (19 years, 259 days) as the club’s youngest league hat-trick scorer.

Yamal’s scoring surge this season has been remarkable. With 13 league goals, he sits just one goal shy of matching Pombo’s record for most goals by an Under-19 player in a single LaLiga campaign. Six of his league strikes have arrived in the past eight matchdays, signaling a player hitting peak form. Across all competitions, he has already contributed 18 goals and 14 assists, 10 of them in LaLiga, combining finishing prowess with creative vision.

Equally impressive is his dribbling dominance. Yamal has completed 113 successful dribbles this season, the highest across Europe’s top five leagues, comfortably ahead of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande on 81. In LaLiga, only Kylian Mbappé ranks second with 62.

After the match, Yamal spoke about his renewed confidence and joy on the pitch: “I wasn’t feeling great… I wasn’t happy, and it showed. For about a week now, I’ve been feeling better. I’m smiling while I play. I’m very happy.” Coach Hansi Flick added: “When he’s enjoying it, it’s perfect for him and for us.”