Meet freestyle footballer Muhammed Riswan, one of the two Indian creators to win the Instagram Rings 2026

Muhammed Riswan, a freestyle footballer from Areekode, Malappuram in Kerala, is one of two Indian creators to win the Instagram Rings creator awards for 2026. Prior to his freestyle career, Riswan suffered a fractured arm as a teenager and had to take a break from traditional football. He discovered freestyle football while practicing tricks with a ball at home after his injury.

Riswan now has over 2.7 million followers on Instagram and gained international recognition after a viral Reel featuring a kick into Keralamkundu waterfall, which won the Guinness World Record for the most-viewed Reel in January 2024. Riswan was selected from a 14-member jury that included A$AP Rocky, Donatella Versace, Jack Edwards, and Vikas Khanna.

He credits his success to honing his skills and sharing them, and credits the viral Reel for bringing him recognition and promotional opportunities. Riswan has been invited to watch Lionel Messi play a home match in Buenos Aires, a dream come true for the young footballer, although he regrets not being able to meet the football legend.