Lamine Yamal's little brother becomes World Cup's unexpected star

Spain's World Cup campaign has produced another unexpected star. It is not a player, a coach or even the trophy. It is three-year-old Keyne, the younger brother of Spanish winger Lamine Yamal.

The toddler has become a fan favourite after repeatedly appearing on television during Spain's matches, reports The Guardian. He has been seen blowing kisses, cheering from the stands and celebrating with playful expressions.

His energetic reactions have quickly spread across social media, making him one of the tournament's most talked-about personalities. Spanish magazine Hola! described the youngster's growing popularity by saying, "This time around, the biggest sensation of the competition isn't an athlete, the goals, or even the trophy itself. It's Keyne, Lamine Yamal's three-year-old brother, who's taking the tournament by storm with his hilarious moments."

Media outlets in Spain and abroad have also called him the star of the 2026 World Cup, Spain's superstar in the stands and the most beloved personality of the tournament. Keyne's latest viral moment came after Spain defeated Belgium to reach the semi-finals. As players celebrated on the field, television cameras showed the toddler making a series of funny faces. On the pitch, Lamine Yamal laughed after seeing his brother stick out his tongue on the stadium's giant screen.

Speaking after the match, Lamine Yamal revealed that the celebration had been planned in advance. "I was at physio and he called me, using my mum's phone, and told me that he was going to stick his tongue out tomorrow," the winger said. "So that's why when I saw him on the screen, it really made me laugh." Keyne is already familiar to many Spanish football fans. In 2024, he joined his brother on the pitch after Spain won a record fourth European Championship.

Later that year, he accompanied Lamine Yamal to the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, walking the red carpet in a small black suit and trainers. He also appears regularly on social media through posts shared by Lamine Yamal and their mother, Sheila Ebana. Videos of him dancing, baking cookies and trying golf have attracted millions of views.

Lamine Yamal has often spoken about his close relationship with his younger brother. Although the two share the same mother and have different fathers, the footballer says their bond is very strong. "My little brother means everything to me," Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 this week, told reporters. "I'm in love with him; it feels like he's my son." His popularity also reflects the importance Lamine Yamal places on family.

Throughout his rapid rise in football, the Barcelona star has kept his family close. Last year, he even postponed the official photo session for signing his new club contract so his grandmother could attend. As Spain continues its World Cup journey, the team's youngest supporter has become one of the tournament's most recognisable faces.