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

BBC World · 2026-07-20

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Lamine Yamal celebrated Spain's 1-0 World Cup victory over Argentina, but his three-year-old brother Kenye captured attention with his joyful celebrations, becoming an internet sensation. • Why it matters: Lamine Yamal's win makes him the youngest player to secure both the European Championship and the World Cup, while Kenye's charming antics highlight the emotional connections within sports families. • What to watch next: Fans will likely continue to follow both Lamine Yamal's football career and Kenye's growing presence in the spotlight, as he becomes a regular feature in his brother's social media posts.

Image source, FIFA/Getty ImagesPublished30 minutes agoSpanish 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.Figure caption, Lamine Yamal's little brother steals the show at full timeSpain triumphed in a battle of endurance, beating Argentina with a goal in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium.Image source, Michael Regan - FIFA / Getty ImagesThe 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.Image source, ReutersHis 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.Image source, Hector Vivas - FIFA / Getty ImagesImage source, Hannah Peters - FIFA / Getty ImagesImage source, IMAGN IMAGES/ReutersImage source, ReutersThe three-year-old, who appears keen to follow in his big brother's footsteps, is the son of Lamine Yamal's mother Sheila Ebana.Image source, Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA / Getty ImagesSpeaking 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."Image source, ReutersImage source, Maja Hitij - FIFA / Getty ImagesImage source, ReutersImage source, CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Getty ImagesImage source, ReutersImage source, Fifa/Getty ImagesImage source, Maja Hitij - FIFA / Getty ImagesImage caption, Kenye lies on the ground surrounded by golden confettiImage source, ReutersImage 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.Image source, Getty ImagesThe 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.Image source, APDays 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.Image source, Hector Vivas - FIFA / Getty ImagesRelated topicsSpainMore on this storyVictory for football? Spain beat Argentina to win World CupPublished13 hours agoWho made the difference for Spain? World Cup final player ratingsPublished14 hours ago

Source: BBC World
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