REUTERS/Pablo Morano
Lamine Yamal was captured looking rather upset on the Barcelona substitutes' bench after being hooked against Elche on Sunday, and it's since been revealed why the winger might've appeared unhappy.
Hansi Flick's team ran out 5-0 winners in their opening La Liga match of the 2026/27 season, courtesy of braces from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, and a debut goal from Karim Adeyemi.
Despite this resounding victory, Yamal didn't look happy when Flick replaced him with Dani Olmo just after the hour mark, while cameras caught the forlorn look on the 19-year-old's face when he was sitting in the dugout moments after the substitution.
Speculation has circulated online around why the youngster was so unhappy, with many wondering if he was simply aggravated by Flick's decision to take him off.
However, the true reason for Yamal's perceived unhappiness has now been declared by Barcelona internet personality Jota Jordi.
Why Lamine Yamal May Have Looked So Upset vs Elche
REUTERS/Pablo Morano
Yamal is Barcelona's golden boy, and thus, supporters of the Catalan club are unsurprisingly very protective of the teenager.
When he trudged off the pitch away at Elche on Sunday and looked like he was on the verge of tears whilst sitting on the bench, fans took to social media to express their concern for the player.
"I was told at the club that they would ask him about it directly tomorrow, as they had received pictures they hadn't seen before, and they would ask him if everything was alright," Spanish TV presenter Josep Pedrerol said on sports show El Chiringuito (via the Daily Mail).
However, Jordi believes that Yamal's unhappiness might actually stem from the imminent possibility of losing three of his closest allies at Barcelona this summer.
Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado and Hector Fort, all of whom rose through the La Masia academy alongside Yamal, have been heavily linked with moves away from the Nou Camp.
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"They're like brothers to him, and I've been told that it hurts Lamine," Jordi said on El Chiringuito.
Balde has been mooted as a target for Manchester United, while roles for Casado and Fort are uncertain, prompting speculation over their futures.
What Hansi Flick Said About Lamine Yamal Looking Unhappy
REUTERS/Vincent West
Flick was asked about Yamal's reaction to being substituted, and the German unsurprisingly provided a diplomatic answer.
"It's normal that he wants to play. When you're a true champion, you always strive to win the next title," he told the Spanish media after the game against Elche.
"That's his attitude. Every player on the team is hungry to win a third consecutive league title. We're ready, and we'll fight for it."
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in action for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in action for Barcelona
Evidently, there is little to worry about for Barcelona fans regarding Yamal's state of mind. He may have been slightly frustrated about being hooked, like any great player would be, while he also might just be a teenager who is sad about potentially no longer having three close friends working alongside him.