Spanish Soccer Star Lamine Yamal on His Bond With Brother Kenye

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 Keyne 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.