During the quarterfinal match against Belgium on 11/7 at SoFi Stadium, Keyne became the focus every time the camera panned to the stands. Even though Yamal did not score, his younger brother continuously waved, cheered, and stuck out his tongue when he saw himself on screen.

After the match, Yamal said his brother's celebration was foretold. "Yesterday, when I was doing physical therapy, he told me he would stick out his tongue when the camera focused on him," the 18-year-old player told Spanish television.

This was not Keyne's first appearance in the World Cup 2026 stands. Previously, during Spain's match against Austria in the round of 32, many photos of the boy celebrating after the team's goals were also shared by fans.

Moments of Yamal's brother appearing on screen during the match between Spain and Belgium. *Photo: DAZN Football*

Keyne was born in September 2022 and is Lamine Yamal's maternal half-brother. Despite a 15-year age gap, the two brothers are close. Yamal has often spoken about his difficult childhood. He stated that his greatest happiness now is seeing his brother have a full life.

"I grew up in an apartment where the kitchen was also the bedroom. Now I see my mother happy, I see my brother having the childhood I always wished for. That is what makes me happiest," the 18-year-old forward for Barcelona Club and the Spanish national team said in a podcast.

Yamal was born in 2007. His parents separated when their son was three years old but maintained a relationship and co-parented. Afterward, both had their own families. Keyne is the son of Sheila Ebana with her subsequent husband.

In a press conference at the World Cup 2026, Yamal said: "My brother is everything to me. I love him and feel like he is my own son."

Despite being only three years old, Keyne is already a familiar face to Barcelona fans. After Spain's Euro 2024 championship, Keyne ran onto the field to celebrate with his brother. In October 2024, he accompanied Yamal to the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, where he was busy playing with a Champions League ball on the red carpet instead of posing for cameras.

In Barcelona, Keyne has often played football with his brother after matches, frolicked with Raphinha's son, and the club mascot.

Keyne frequently appears in Yamal's TikTok videos, dancing and playing with toys. His mother also shares many family photos on social media.

As Yamal prepares for the semifinal match against France, his three-year-old brother continues to attract attention. Keyne's images have become a widely shared side story at the World Cup 2026.

Keyne Yamal with his brother in moments on the field and in everyday life. *Video: Tiktok/furball.magic666*

Nhat Minh (According to People, sports.ndtv)