Kerala Freestyle Footballer Muhammed Riswan Wins Instagram Rings Award 2026

Muhammed Riswan, a freestyle footballer from Kerala, has been selected as one of the 25 global creators for Instagram's Rings Award 2026, following the massive viral success of his 2023 waterfall trick video.

The Viral Waterfall Trick

In November 2023, Riswan filmed a video at Keralamkundu Waterfall in Kerala's Malappuram district. He kicked a football toward the waterfall, creating an optical illusion that made the ball appear to vanish behind the cascading water. Initially filmed as a casual clip with friends, the video surpassed 600 million views on Instagram. It also previously earned him acknowledgment from Guinness World Records as a heavily viewed Instagram Reel.

From Injury to Freestyle Football

Riswan grew up in Mankadavu village near Areekode in Malappuram district. While he initially aspired to be a professional footballer, a hand injury altered his path. He transitioned to freestyle football, learning tricks through social media tutorials and performing on rooftops, mountaintops, and underwater. His viral fame later led to international opportunities, including an invitation from the Argentina Football Association as a VIP guest to watch Lionel Messi play in Buenos Aires in late 2025, following a meeting with coach Lionel Scaloni in Dubai.

Instagram Rings Award 2026

Instagram's Rings Award program, launched in October 2025, recognizes 25 creators globally based on creativity, originality, and experimentation rather than strictly follower counts. Riswan is one of two Indian winners, alongside model Bhavitha Mandava. Winners receive a physical ring featuring a Connemara marble four-leaf clover, profile background customization options, and a distinct gold-colored ring around their Instagram Stories.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Audience Reach: Riswan has gathered approximately 2.7 million followers on Instagram without the support of agents or conventional career pathways.
• Verification: Readers can verify official announcements and updates regarding the Instagram Rings Award directly through Instagram's official creator channels and verified profiles.