In a moment that has deeply moved the entire country, Lamine Yamal, the young star of FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, unexpectedly burst into a live interview with the Appelbee family, leaving millions of viewers with tears in their eyes and their hearts in their hands.

The 18-year-old winger, considered by many to be the brightest talent of his generation, announced that he would personally assume all medical expenses, health checks and aftercare for the family of little hero Ethan Appelbee, the 12-year-old boy who risked his life swimming for almost four hours in icy waters to rescue his mother and two younger brothers.

Ethan’s story had become national news in recent weeks. On January 25, 2026, during a family walk along a secluded beach on the coast of Devon (England), an unexpected wave swept Sarah Appelbee, 38, and her young children into the sea: Lily, 9, and Noah, 6. Ethan, without a second’s hesitation, jumped into the water despite the intense cold and strong currents.

For almost four hours he fought exhaustion, incipient hypothermia and panic to keep his family afloat until a rescue helicopter located and rescued them.

The mother suffered severe hypothermia and a broken ankle; the young children showed signs of shock, ingestion of salt water, and mild hypothermia. Ethan was admitted for several days with extreme exhaustion, dehydration, and initial symptoms of aspiration pneumonia. Doctors described his physical and mental resilience as “extraordinary” for a child his age. The family, who rely on Sarah’s income as a part-time nurse, saw medical expenses quickly pile up: specialist treatments, prolonged physiotherapy, psychological check-ups and pediatric follow-up.

A crowdfunding campaign organized by neighbors and friends had raised just over 52,000 euros in ten days, but it was evident that it would not be enough to cover everything.

It was precisely that story that reached Lamine Yamal. The footballer, who had followed the case through the news and social networks, decided to act without prior notice. During the BBC South West live broadcast, as Sarah Appelbee breathlessly recounted how Ethan “never stopped telling us we were going to get out of this,” Yamal quietly entered the set from the side. The presenter, visibly surprised, could barely articulate a few words of welcome.

“I didn’t come to talk about football today,” Lamine began in a calm but firm voice. “I came because I saw what this boy did. Four hours at sea, in the middle of winter, saving his mother and his little brothers. I have never met a person so young and so brave. When I found out that the family was worried about medical expenses, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I will cover all the medical expenses and health check-ups for the child’s family. Not just now, but as long as they need it. It’s the least I can do.”

The studio erupted in applause and tears. Sarah Appelbee burst into tears, hugging Ethan tightly, who looked at Yamal with wide eyes in disbelief. The young footballer approached, knelt in front of the boy and hugged him tightly. At that moment, she whispered something in his ear that made Ethan nod with a shy smile. The scene, broadcast live, immediately went viral and has already accumulated more than 45 million views on the main platforms.

Minutes later, Yamal expanded on his statement in a brief statement shared by FC Barcelona and his personal account: “Football has given me a lot, but what Ethan did is much bigger than any goal or title. When you are a child and you see that your family is in danger, you act without thinking. That value deserves all the support in the world. I don’t want this family to have to worry about medical bills after having gone through something so hard. That’s why I promise to cover everything.”

The news has caused a wave of emotion in Spain and beyond. On social networks, hashtags such as # GraciasLamine, #EthanHeroe and #ValentíaReal dominate the trends. Tens of thousands of messages praise the Barça player for his generosity and sensitivity. Xavi Hernández, former first team coach, wrote: “This is what it means to be a true reference. Proud of you, Lamine.” Even from the Spanish team, Luis de la Fuente commented: “Lamine is not only a great player with the ball; he is a great person.”

The gesture has also had an immediate solidarity impact. The Appelbee family donation page received more than 180,000 additional euros in the first 24 hours after Yamal’s intervention. Several Spanish foundations dedicated to children and the prevention of accidents at sea have reported a significant increase in contributions.

For the Appelbee family, the announcement comes as an immense relief. Sarah, still moved, declared off the set: “We don’t know Lamine personally, but what he has done for us is incredible. Ethan has always been brave, but now he knows that there are great people who value what he did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Yamal stayed with the family for almost an hour after the interview, chatting with Ethan about football, life in Barcelona and the beaches of Spain. He promised to visit them again when Ethan is fully recovered and invited them all to watch a Barça match at the Spotify Camp Nou this season.

At a time when elite athletes are often criticized for their remoteness or for prioritizing economic matters, Lamine Yamal’s spontaneous and generous gesture has reminded the world that greatness transcends the playing field. At 18 years old, Spain’s number one midfielder not only dazzles with his talent; It also shows that empathy and solidarity can be as powerful as any dribble or goal.

Ethan Appelbee, the boy who swam against the sea to save his family, now has not only his story of heroism, but also the support of one of the greatest promises in world football. And Spain, once again, feels proud of one of its children.