Lamine Yamal celebrates World Cup win with little brother who charmed fans

Lamine Yamal celebrates World Cup win with little brother who charmed fans

Lamine Yamal smiles for a photo with his little brother Keyne following Spain's win in the FIFA World Cup. Kenye is holding the World Cup trophy.Image source, FIFA/Getty Images
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Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal may have lifted the World Cup but it is his little brother Kenye who appears to have stolen the spotlight.

The three-year-old quickly become an internet sensation after footage of his exuberant celebrations following Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina spread across social media on Sunday.

While the footballer, just 19 himself, continued his rise by helping Spain achieve football's biggest prize, attention swiftly turned to his younger brother's joyful reactions from the sidelines.

From sticking out his tongue on the big screen to wildly cheering on his older brother, Kenye has been hailed by fans as one of the unexpected breakout stars of the 2026 tournament.

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Figure caption,

Lamine Yamal's little brother steals the show at full time

Spain triumphed in a battle of endurance, beating Argentina with a goal in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Lamine Yamal lifts the golden World Cup trophy in the air as his teammates celebrateImage source, Michael Regan – FIFA / Getty Images

The team's second World Cup win has led to Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest player ever to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.

Yamal bends down to embrace and pick up his brotherImage source, Reuters

His younger brother Kenye has become a regular fixture both on and off the pitch – often featuring in Lamine Yamal's TikToks and charming fans from around the world.

Yamal fist bumps his younger brother in front of the World Cup trophyImage source, Hector Vivas – FIFA / Getty Images
Kenye wears a number 19 shirt and a cap partially covering his eyes. His brother is behind himImage source, Hannah Peters – FIFA / Getty Images
Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after winning the World Cup. He is pointing up and smilingImage source, IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters
Kenye smiles as he kicks a football on the pitch Image source, Reuters

The three-year-old, who appears keen to follow in his big brother's footsteps, is the son of Lamine Yamal's mother Sheila Ebana.

Lamine Yamal Barcelona celebrates victory while holding his brother after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Image source, Florencia Tan Jun – UEFA / Getty Images

Speaking about Kenye, Lamine Yamal previously told outlets: "I'm moved when I see my little brother this happy, as well as seeing my mum and friends living the life they always dreamed of.

"My little brother means everything to me. I am in love with him; it feels like he is my son."

Spain's Lamine Yamal smiles as he celebrates with the World Cup trophy after winning the World CupImage source, Reuters
Kenye is seen extending his arms out as his older brother Yamal leans down to pick him upImage source, Maja Hitij – FIFA / Getty Images
Spain's Lamine Yamal's brother Keyne plays football on the pitch after Spain won the World CupImage source, Reuters
Yamal kisses his younger brother KenyeImage source, CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Getty Images
Lamine Yamal puts a cap on his younger brothers head following his World Cup winImage source, Reuters
Kenye holds the World Cup trophy supported by his older brotherImage source, Fifa/Getty Images
Kenye lies on the ground surrounded by golden confetti Image source, Maja Hitij – FIFA / Getty Images
Image caption,

Kenye lies on the ground surrounded by golden confetti

A smiling policeman hands the three-year-old his hat to try onImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Kenye smiles as he is handed a hat by a policeman

In what could be seen as a symbolic passing of the torch, Lamine Yamal went head to head with Argentinan football legend Lionel Messi for the first time during the World Cup final.

Lionel Messi controls the ball against Lamine Yamal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and ArgentinaImage source, Getty Images

The two had crossed paths years earlier in 2007 when Messi, then 20, was seen cradling and bathing a tiny baby boy – Lamine Yamal – after his mother won a competition to meet a Barcelona first-team player.

Lionel Messi cradles a baby Lamine Yamal in a bath in the away dressing room at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium in 2007Image source, AP

Days ahead of Sunday's final, Messi, now 39, described Lamine Yamal as "one of the best" footballers right now.

"He's a tremendous player – a global star. He's 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we'll give it our all to ensure he doesn't become champion this time," he added.

As the full-time whistle blew, cementing Spain's victory, the pair could be seen embracing on the pitch.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal embrace on the pitchImage source, Hector Vivas – FIFA / Getty Images

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