KOLLAM, KERALA: A 18-year-old student from Palarivattom in Kollam district has become an overnight sensation after a verified video showing his striking resemblance to Spanish football star Lamine Yamal went viral, prompting hundreds of fans to flock to his village.
The original clip, shot during an Onam celebration, was verified by the Instagram user me_the_historian, who posted a follow-up video confirming the identity and location of the student, identified as Alan. The footage, released late Monday, has crossed 11 million views and continues to gather shares.
In the video, Alan is seen wearing a Spain jersey and mimicking Yamal’s signature poses and smile. Viewers quickly noted the uncanny similarity in hairstyle, facial features — and even the braces on his teeth.
“Spain has Yamal, Kerala has Alan too,” one top comment read.
Lamine Yamal, 19, is one of football’s brightest young talents. He wears Barcelona’s No.10 shirt and was a key player in Spain’s recent World Cup and Euro triumphs.
Following the verified post, local media reported that fans from across Kerala began arriving in Palarivattom on Tuesday morning. Some came with Spain jerseys and footballs, seeking photos with the “Kerala Yamal”. Local authorities have asked visitors to maintain order and avoid disrupting daily life in the village.
Alan’s family said they were surprised by the sudden attention but welcomed the visitors. “He is just a normal student who loves football. We hope this will bring some good opportunities for him,” a family member told local reporters.
The video has not been commented on by Yamal’s team, but it has become a major talking point among football fans and social media users in Kerala and beyond
