Before Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal stepped onto the pitch for his country's FIFA World Cup-clinching match against Argentina July 19, the internet was getting quite the kick out of a 2007 photo shoot he shared with opponent Lionel Messi.
Just 6 months old, the future FC Barcelona prodigy won a raffle to pose with the sport's soon-to-be most decorated athlete—FIFA alone has named him the world's best player eight times—for a UNICEF calendar.
It's a piece of history that even stunned Yamal's teammates.
"The first time I saw it, I thought it was AI and that it wasn’t even real," fellow national team squad member Mikel Merino told reporters July 17. "It's unbelievable that two of the best players to have played the game—and hopefully Lamine, in the future, will be one of those—share a picture like that."
But after Yamal and his squad bested 2022's World Cup winner at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, it was another clip that tackled fans' hearts.
In the Fox Sports video, Yamal's 3-year-old brother Kenye—clutching a piece of the net he scored as a souvenir—sprinted across the pitch to deliver that first congratulatory hug.
And if the 19-year-old (he celebrated his birthday during the weeks-long tourney) wasn't already thrilled with his first World Cup, well, seeing how psyched his little sibling was certainly provided quite the assist.
Because after Kenye delivered another winning fan performance as Spain defeated Austria in the round of 32 July 2, shouting "Vamos!" (as in, let's go) during the match, Yamal detailed to reporters what it means to have him on his proverbial roster.
"I'm moved when I see my little brother this happy, as well as seeing my mum and friends living the life they always dreamed of," Yamal shared in a post-game interview. "My little brother means everything to me. I am in love with him; it feels like he is my son."
Really, the toddler—he and Yamal share mom Sheila Ebana—has basically been adopted by the entire Spanish fan base.
Among his winning bids to be crowned most valuable spectator: Delighting his brother with a series of silly faces during their July 10 game against Belgium and waving after Spain advanced past frontrunner France four days later.
For Yamal, being able to provide this sort of unbridled joy is what truly leaves him feeling like a winner.
"Look, my mum had me when she was 16," FC Barcelona's standout right winger recently shared in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER. As such, dad Mounir Nasraoui "also had to go out and look for a life, sometimes picking up stuff in the streets to try to come back home with food for us. To me, this is real pressure, not what I have."
Though he does consider it his job to keep the family huddled together.
Everyone was on hand when the phenom signed his latest six-year contract last July and Kenye is a constant fixture in the stands.
He scored that first metaphorical goal in 2024 after Spain clinched the European Championship and he hit the pitch alongside Yamal.
And in the years since, he's earned his role as MVP of Yamal's TikTok page, his videos delighting the athlete's 60 million-plus followers. In one May clip, he steers his own miniature Mercedes-Benz. In another, he pounds it out with his big bro.
Which is why Kenye may soon get into the game himself, The Athletic reporting brands have reached out about collaborating with the preschooler.
Of course, Kenye wasn't the only spectator making moves at the World Cup. We've got the full roster of stars who turned out for the final match.
The Colombian singer had the crowd on their feet while performing her hit "Dai Dai" during the first-ever World Cup halftime show at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The K-pop group hit the field for an electric performance of their song "Dynamite" during the World Cup final halftime show.
David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham watched the World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain with their children Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21, along with Tom Cruise on July 19.
The couple was kickin' it in stylish shades while cheering on the teams during the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Jumanji actor and the Grammy winner were all smiles as they hit the pitch at the final match.
Ahead of the World Cup final, The Odyssey actor posed with his wife on the gold carpet.
The comedian and his wife stepped out for the soccer game of the year, making an appearance at the World Cup final match at New York New Jersey stadium.
The Dune star showed off his Spanish pride while posing on the FIFA Gold Carpet ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
The Dune actor and Kardashians star shared a kiss while attending the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
David Beckham and Victoria Beckham's son hung out with the designer at Tequila Don Julio 1942's Port of Champions party celebrating the final week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The "Tattoo" singer made his mark at Buchanan's Whisky's quarterfinals after-party in Miami.
The Marty Supreme star had a smashing time during the France vs. Spain game at Dallas Stadium on July 14.
From the Ton to the pitch. The Bridgerton actress caught the Spain vs. Belgium game from inside the SoFi suite at Los Angeles Stadium July 10.
The "Bounce Back" rapper decided to hit up the Spain vs. Belgium game in his Nike tee.
The "Nasty" singer's got stamina as she watched the July 5 match with Marriott Bonvoy.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island stars put aside their feud for a winning jersey swap at the FIFA World Cup 2026 match with Casamigos on July 5.
The rapper's got 99 problems but attending the Brazil vs. Norway match on July 5 ain't one.
The Power stars created the ultimate legacy at the Casamigos suite during the Brazil vs. Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 match on July 5.
The BMX athlete toasted to the Brazil vs. Norway game from inside the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The couple spiced up the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde game at Miami Stadium July 3, bringing along their sons Romeo Beckham and Cruz Beckham.
The Pulp Fiction alum rocked head-to-toe Adidas as he caught the Australia vs. Egypt game at Dallas Stadium on July 3.
Shaquille O'Neal's son had a slam dunk time inside the Tequila Don Julio suite during the France vs. Sweden match on on June 30.
Parents' night out. The model and the "Devastated" rapper caught the Panama vs. England game from the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27.
The Blink-182 drummer rocked out during the World Cup Fan Zone festivities at Los Angeles' Union Station on June 27.
After helping England secure a 2-0 win against Panama, the soccer player was honored with Michelob ULTRA's Superior Player of the Match Award by the model.
The Magic Mike star dressed up as Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland alongside fans during the Norway vs. France game at Boston Stadium on June 26.
The NFL star and his girlfriend had a touchdown time watching the Ecuador vs. Germany game from the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25.
The 98 Degrees singer cherished his time inside the SoFi suite during the Turkey vs. USA game at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25.
The That '70s Show alum was hanging out, down the street from the Turkey vs. USA game at Los Angeles Stadium, hitting up a Raising Cane’s party hosted on Snoop Dogg's Compound in Inglewood, Calif.