Kollam (Keralam) | When 15-year-old Alan James steps out in a Spain jersey, a second glance is almost inevitable -- his striking resemblance to football sensation Lamine Yamal has turned the Class 10 student into an unlikely social media celebrity.

Until recently, Alan was simply another football-loving teenager from Chakkuvally in Kollam, spending his time between school and the football ground. Today, he finds himself being recognised by strangers, invited to local events and followed by thousands online.

The resemblance had not gone unnoticed among people who knew him. Friends and acquaintances had for some time pointed out his similarity to the Spanish forward, but Alan never took it seriously.

That changed after a video featuring him was recorded by a local politician. The clip, which brought together Alan's Yamal-like appearance with a popular social-media reference involving the footballer's jersey, caught the attention of netizens and began spreading rapidly.

A separate video shared by another Instagram account has also attracted millions of views, turning the teenager into a familiar face among football fans on social media.

The reaction has ranged from genuine amazement to playful jokes, with users debating whether they were looking at Yamal himself or his Keralam lookalike.

Behind the viral identity, however, is a youngster who has his own football ambitions.

A student of a local government school in this southern district, Alan is part of his school football team and plays as a defender--a position far different from the Spanish footballer's role on the pitch.

And while Yamal may have become Alan's unexpected online identity, his own football allegiance lies elsewhere. He is an ardent admirer of Lionel Messi and supports Argentina.

"I have been hearing for some time that I resemble Yamal. But the attention came suddenly after the video became viral," Alan said.

The teenager said the sudden popularity has brought plenty of attention, invites for local events and even a sudden rise in his social-media followers.

Alan said he is secretly hoping that the real Yamal will notice his Keralam double someday and send him a message.