Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's 'lookalike', also a footballer, found in Kerala; teen goes viral

Those close to 15-year-old Alan James had long noticed his striking similarity to Spanish football sensation Lamine Yamal.

Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 21:25:13 IST

Written by HT News Desk

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From the local grounds of Kerala's Chakkuvally to millions of views on social media, 15-year-old Alan James has become an internet sensation for his striking resemblance to Barcelona's star footballer Lamine Yamal.

Despite his newfound identity as Yamal’s lookalike, James is an admirer of Lionel Messi and the Argentina team. (Photos Credit: AFP, ANI)

The Kollam schoolboy, James, is turning heads every time he steps onto the pitch in a Spain jersey.

Also Read | Yamal, Raphinha bag braces as Barcelona rout Rayo

Alan James goes viral on social media

Those close to James had long noticed his striking similarity to Spanish football sensation Yamal.

However, things shifted for him as he came into the limelight after a video of him, filmed and shared by block panchayat member and vlogger Nikhil Manohar, caught the attention of netizens.

Clips of James wearing a Yamal jersey picked up momentum online, turning the teenager into a viral sensation. According to news agency ANI, one of the videos shared by Manohar has crossed 14 million views on social media platform Instagram.

Also Read | Lionel Messi faces Lamine Yamal as the World Cup 2026 final becomes football's most extraordinary generational duel

Who is Alan James?

James is a Class 10 student at Peruvazhi Government High School in Kerala's Kollam district. Football is deeply rooted in his family as his brother also plays the sport, the report added.

A player for his school football team, the teenager operates in defence, a stark contrast to Yamal's role on the pitch.

Despite his newfound identity as Yamal’s lookalike, James is an admirer of Lionel Messi and the Argentina team.

Also Read | Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal or any other of these star footballers, who is your style twin at the FIFA World Cup?

'Never really paid much attention...': What Alan James said

Speaking about how his life changed after the video went viral, James said that the people in his area are happy, according to ANI.

"Many people have been telling me since long ago that I look like Yamal, but I never really paid much attention to it. I suddenly became noticed around the World Cup. After the video went viral, my life changed," he said.

"People in my locality are very happy. I also hear jokes and comments on social media, but I don't take them seriously," Alan added.

According to a PTI report, Alan remains hopeful that Yamal will one day come across his Kerala lookalike and reach out with a message.

He also noted that he has been playing football since childhood and prefers playing in defence.

(with inputs from agencies)

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HT News Desk
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