Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old, is shouldering the weight of Spain's World Cup aspirations, with his three-year-old brother Keyne providing emotional support. After Spain's 3-0 victory over Austria in the round of 32, Yamal reflected on the significance of family.
Keyne was captured celebrating the third goal, raising his arms and shouting "Come on!" in a moment that went viral. Yamal, speaking 30 metres below ground at Los Angeles Stadium, said: "It makes me emotional to see my brother happy, and my mum. He is everything to me. It's like he is my son and I'm in love with him."
Yamal's Journey and Responsibility
Yamal has shouldered immense responsibility from a young age. In a recent interview with El País, he recalled first feeling fame at 13. A video of him walking around Walmart at the start of the competition highlighted his rare moments of normalcy. "Bit by bit, I am feeling myself, getting the runs I need," he said after the match.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente described the performance as "almost perfect." Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, while Yamal's dynamic presence included two nutmegs and a battle with Konrad Laimer. Yamal was awarded player of the match.
Team Confidence and Focus
Yamal emphasised the team's self-belief: "We don't fear any team; we're Spain. We trust in ourselves." He added that he stays grounded by focusing on football and spending time with family, who "know me as just Lamine."
Spain's full-backs impressed, Dani Olmo found spaces, and the squad echoed Yamal's earlier statement that no one can match them when they play their best. The victory secured Spain's place in the last 16, with Yamal declaring, "No one wants to go home now."
