Meet Keyne Yamal: Lamino’s world cup-stealing younger brother
The headlines when it comes to Spain and their journey to the World Cup finals have been all about Lamine Yamal and the wizardry he displays on the pitch. The Barcelona striker is set to face one of his idols, Lionel Messi, in a summit clash. building anticipation towards the face-off between the two.
Yet it is not Lamine who has become the darling of football fans this year. It remains a family affair, and his three-year-older brother, Keyne, has so far become the viral sensation of the World Cup. This time he became Spain’s unlikely hero thanks to a series of cute moments captured by fans on social media.
Whether from the stands and appearing on the giant screen to put a smile on his older brother’s face, or just being an all-round entertainer during and after matches, Keyne has become the most recognizable face of this year’s tournament.
WHO IS KEYNE YAMAL?
Keyne is Lamine’s younger half-brother. Keyne was born in September 2022 after Spanish striker Sheila Ebana’s mother remarried.
The Yamal brothers regularly appear on social networks, where they post videos of themselves dancing, driving toy cars and spending time as a family.
Speaking about the bond he shares with his younger brother, Lamine said he’s happy to see Keyne fooling around and getting a lot of love from around the world.
The cutest thing you’ll see today.
Keyne, Lamine Yamal’s younger brother, makes cookies.
This is how children’s champions are created. Teach them to help each other in life. pic.twitter.com/6hcDSr7yuC— Rubn Pueyo (@Aqui_mi_casa) July 16, 2026
“I’m touched to see my little brother so happy, just like I’m seeing my mom and my friends living the life they’ve always dreamed of,” Yamal said, according to The Athletic.
“My little brother means everything to me. I’m in love with him; I feel like he’s my son.”
HOW DID KEYNE BECOME FAMOUS?
Keyne was not an overnight sensation and has always been associated with Lamine’s journey since his breakthrough season in 2023. But the reason for his viral performance after this World Cup was precisely the enthusiasm he shows during all the matches.
Keyne’s biggest moment came during Spain’s round of 32 win against Austria when he was seen shouting “vamos” on the big screen while surrounded by La Roja supporters.
He was also seen making funny faces and waving at the cameras during matches. During the quarter-final, Keyne was seen sticking his tongue out at the cameras, which brought a smile to older brother Lamin’s face.
The Spanish forward revealed that it was a plan from his younger brother.
“I was at physio and he called me on my mum’s phone and said he was going to stick his tongue out tomorrow.
“So that’s why when I saw him on the screen, it really made me laugh,” Lamine said during a press conference, as quoted by The Athletic.
After Spain’s semi-final win against France, Keyne threw himself into Lamine’s arms, making fans love him more.
With Spain chasing their second World Cup crown, Keyne has certainly brought happiness to the team as their unofficial mascot. It will be interesting to see what funny reactions he has in store for Messi and Argentina on Sunday, July 19.
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Published on:
17 Jul 2026 15:40 IST