Spain booked their place in the World Cup last 16, but it wasn’t Lamine Yamal who had football fans talking after the match – it was an adorable moment involving his younger brother
Spanish winger Lamine Yamal’s adorable three-year-old brother stole the spotlight with his passionate celebration during Spain’s World Cup victory against Austria. The 2010 champions secured their place in the last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 win in Los Angeles, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
While Yamal, 18, didn’t get on the scoresheet, the winger was a constant threat throughout the match. But it was his little brother, Keyne, watching proudly from the stands, who ended up winning over football fans around the world.
A clip of the youngster celebrating Spain’s third goal has racked up thousands of views online, with fans loving his enthusiastic reaction as he shouted “Vamos!” (“Let’s go!”)
Commenting on the video, one fan said: “Such a big fan of his brother.”
Another added: “It’s the most Spanish ‘vamos’ I’ve ever seen.”
A third wrote: “Love how into it the little man is.”
One more joked: “Lil bro put everything he had into that ‘vamos’.” Another commented: “Look at the energy he put into that celebration.”
After the match, Yamal, who plays his club football with Barcelona, admitted seeing his younger brother enjoying the moment left him feeling emotional. He said: “I feel emotional to see my brother happy.
“My mum is also happy with the life she always wanted. I love this.
“I am in love with my brother. He’s like a son to me.”
The match also saw Yamal and his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí, 19, make history. The pair became the first teenagers to start a World Cup knockout match together since Brazil’s Pelé and José Altafini achieved the feat in 1958.
Yamal has already made his mark on the tournament, scoring in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia earlier in the competition. He has won plaudits from across the world of football, including from Eden Hazard, who said the teen “reminds me a bit of when I started playing”.
Speaking to Stake, the former Belgiam winger said: “I was around the same age and everyone expected a lot from me. But in the end, if he enjoys himself on the pitch the way he knows how to, I can definitely see him having a great World Cup.
“He’s the kind of player people love to watch. That’s what football is all about, you have to enjoy yourself and make people dream.”
