Lamine Yamal Lookalike From Kerala Goes Viral, but the Teen Supports Messi and Argentina

A 15-year-old footballer from Kerala has become a social-media sensation because people say he looks like Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Alan James, from Kollam district, attracts attention whenever he steps onto the pitch wearing a Spain jersey.

People close to James had noticed the resemblance for years. His sudden rise online began after Nikhil Manohar, a block panchayat member and vlogger, filmed and shared a video of him. Clips showing James in a Yamal jersey spread rapidly, and one of Manohar’s Instagram videos reportedly passed 14 million views.

James studies in Class 10 at Peruvazhi Government High School and plays for his school team. He operates in defence, unlike Yamal, who is known for an attacking role. Football runs in James’s family, as his brother also plays the sport.

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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.

Despite being known as Yamal’s lookalike, James is a fan of Lionel Messi and the Argentina team. “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,” James added. He remains hopeful that Yamal will eventually see his Kerala lookalike and contact him. James said he has played football since childhood and prefers defence.

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