Do you know what’s Lamine Yamal‘s signature move?
No? Great, cuz you’re about to find out right now,
His signature move, or trick, is called the Trivela.
But wait a second…What exactly is this Trivela thing?
Well…
In this article, we will explain how that signature move works, and go in details on how Yamal‘s use of that trick contributed to significant moments, including matches against Villarreal, Espanyol, Mallorca, Benfica, and Borussia Dortmund.
We’ll look at who scored, the build-up, and the broader impact of each play.
WHAT IS A TRIVELA PASS?
The Trivela is a football move where the player kicks the ball using the outside of their foot.
It adds a curling effect, which can be used for long passes, crosses, or even shots. It’s tricky to learn but very effective once mastered.
Players usually use this move when a regular pass wouldn’t reach the target or when they want to bend the ball around defenders.
It’s also useful when a player is on their weaker side and wants to use their stronger foot without switching position.
WHY YAMAL’S TRIVELA PASS WORKS
Lamine Yamal doesn’t just use the Trivela for show.
He uses it to create chances and beat tight spaces.
The pass allows him to bend the ball around defenders without switching to his weaker foot.
This makes his attacks faster and harder to predict.
What makes it stand out is the confidence and control he shows while using it, especially at just 17 years old.
In fact, Yamal once joked in an interview that using the Trivela is like “pressing L2” on a PlayStation controller, a fun nod to football video games.
VS VILLAREAL
On September 22, 2024, FC Barcelona faced Villarreal in a La Liga match at Estadio de la Cerámica.
The game was a high-scoring affair, with FC Barcelona dominating in a 5-1 win.
Late in the match, Blaugrana already leading 4-1, Yamal delivered a Trivela assist that sealed the scoreline.
During a Barca counter-attack, Yamal received the ball on the right side, deep in Villarreal’s half.
Spotting Raphinha making a run behind the defensive line, Lamine made an incredible Trivela pass.
The ball, struck with the outside of his left foot, traveled over 55 meters, curling perfectly to land at Raphinha’s feet.
Raphinha, perfectly positioned thanks to Yamal’s vision, controlled the ball and slotted it past Villarreal’s goalkeeper in the 82nd minute, making it 5-1.
VS ESPANYOL
On November 3, 2024, FC Barcelona took on local rivals Espanyol in the Catalan derby at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
The match, played in rainy conditions, ended in a 3-1 win for Barca.
Yamal, fresh off presenting his Kopa Trophy after the Ballon d’Or Gala to the fans, stole the show early with a Trivela that set the tone for the game.
Just 12 minutes into the match, Lamine was on the right wing, just outside Espanyol’s penalty area.
With two defenders closing in, he glanced up and spotted Dani Olmo crashing into the box.
In a split second, he flicked a Trivela pass with the outside of his left foot, threading the ball between defenders Jofre Carreras and Carlos Romero.
The pass curled perfectly into Olmo’s path,
Dani Olmo, reading Lamine’s pass perfectly, shook off his marker and swept the ball into the net from close range, giving Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
VS MALLORCA
On December 3, 2024, FC Barcelona faced Mallorca in a La Liga match at Son Moix.
In the 73rd minute, with the score at 2-1, Yamal received the ball on the right wing, just outside Mallorca’s penalty area.
Lamine noticed Raphinha making a late run into the box.
With a deft touch, he struck a Trivela pass with the outside of his left foot.
The ball curled over Mallorca’s packed defense, threading between two defenders and landing perfectly for Raphinha’s run, catching goalkeeper Dominik Greif off his line.
VS BORUSSIA DORTMUND
On December 11, 2024, in the Champions League at Dortmund’s BVB Stadium, Yamal’s Trivela nearly created a goal in a 3-2 Barca win.
In the 34th minute, his curled pass from the right wing found Raphinha in the box.
The pass beat Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini, but Raphinha’s shot went wide.
HOW HE MAKES IT WORK
Lamine Yamal mostly plays on the right wing and likes to cut inside on his left foot.
But when defenders expect that, he surprises them with a Trivela instead.
It’s quick, smooth, and gives him more ways to break down defenses.
Because he’s left-footed, using the outside of his foot from the right side adds a natural curve to the ball.
This is useful for curling passes into the middle of the field or to the far post.
Timing and vision are key.
He often spots runs before other players do, and the Trivela helps him deliver the ball quickly and with spin that teammates can control easily.
OTHER LEGENDS KNOWN FOR TRIVELA
The Trivela isn’t a new move.
Players like Ricardo Quaresma were known for using it often, usually as a flashy, unpredictable way to surprise defenders.
Luka Modrić has also used it, but more sparingly and often in precise moments to unlock a tight defense.
What stands out with Lamine Yamal is how early in his career he’s made this technique a regular part of his play and not just in casual moments, but in high-pressure situations and against strong opponents.
He’s making quick decisions, reading movements, and choosing the best way to move the ball, even if it means using a move that’s tough to master.
TLDR;
At 17, Lamine Yamal has made the Trivela a pass using the outside of the foot a signature part of his game, using it effectively to create chances in high-level matches.
