Yamal: My brother Kine is everything to me

Barcelona and Spain national team star Lamine Yamal ascended to the stands after Spain’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in North America, to embrace his family and play with his younger brother Ken, who became the “best player” in the stands.

Yamal was one of the standout figures in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France, having won the penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal converted to open the scoring, and he was outstanding throughout the match with his constant dribbling and defensive work.

The Barcelona and Spain winger is enjoying a special period following his recovery from injury, playing a different role that focuses more on creating play and linking lines rather than solely on scoring, though he knows he has more to offer offensively.

Yamal did not attend the World Cup alone; he has been constantly supported by his family. His mother Sheila Ibane, his friend Suhayb, his cousin Mohammed, and his younger brother Ken traveled to the United States to accompany him throughout the tournament.

Ken, who is only four years old, has become one of the standout personalities of the tournament. His spontaneity in front of cameras and his enthusiastic celebrations after every match have made him extremely popular with fans.

One of the most viral moments came when his mother and Yamal asked him before the match to stick out his tongue if Spain won, which he did after the victory, making the scene one of the most memorable images of the tournament.

Yamal has never hidden his deep love for his younger brother, emphasizing on multiple occasions that seeing him happy gives him the greatest sense of fulfillment, and that their relationship is exceptionally special.

He said, “I am happy to see my brother happy, and to see my mother living the life she always dreamed of, and my friends as well. That is the biggest dream for any child, apart from football and everything else.”

He added about Ken, “He is everything to me. It’s like he is my son; I am in love with him. I always see him at home, doing funny things, starting to dance. He looks like a man inside a child’s body, and I really like that. I love spending time with him; I enjoy his company very much.”