Spain’s World Cup celebrations produced an unexpected viral moment as Lamine Yamal’s three-year-old brother Keyne caught the attention of football fans after the team’s win.
Videos that have surfaced on social media following Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina in extra time show Keyne celebrating his older brother's triumph with gusto. His enthusiastic reactions, such as cheering from the sidelines and flashing smiles for stadium cameras, soon went viral online.
Yamal, 19, was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign, helping the national team claim its second FIFA World Cup title with a winner in the 106th minute of the final at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The victory also represented another step forward in the meteoric rise of Yamal’s career, as he became the youngest player to win both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
Off the pitch, Keyne has been a regular fixture in Yamal’s social media posts and TikTok videos, where the siblings have often appeared together. Supporters have been attracted to the young boy, son of Yamal’s mother Sheila Ebana, because of his playful personality.
"Yamal had already spoken about his younger brother and said,
Makes me emotional seeing my little brother so happy. And my mum and friends are living the life they've always dreamed of.
"He added:
My little brother means the world to me. I love him; he’s like my son.”
Yamal and Argentina captain Lionel Messi also met for the first time in a competitive game in the World Cup final. Their association dates back to 2007 when Messi was involved in a photoshoot for a charity calendar at Barcelona that featured baby Yamal after his family won a raffle at the club.
“He’s a tremendous player, a global star. Messi had praised the young Spanish star before the final, calling him “one of the best” players in world football. He is only 19; he has a long career ahead of him. “I wish him the best, but we will fight to make sure he doesn’t become champion this time,” Messi said.
The two players embraced on the pitch after Spain's win, and Yamal then joined his teammates and family members, including Keyne, in celebrating the World Cup victory.
