Muhammad Rizwan, a 21-year-old from Kerala, has broken the Guinness World Record for the most-viewed Instagram reel ever. His Instagram reel world record has now surpassed 554 million views globally resulting in getting invited as a VIP guest by the Argentina Football Association.
MALAPPURAM: In an inspiring turn of events, 21-year-old Muhammad Rizwan, a freestyle footballer from Kerala, India, has captured the world’s attention — and a Guinness World Record — after his Instagram reel racked up over 554 million views, making it the most-viewed reel in the platform’s history.
Filmed in November 2023 at the scenic Keralamkundu Waterfall in Malappuram, Rizwan’s now-iconic video shows him effortlessly kicking a football behind a waterfall’s rocky veil. The perfectly timed trick shot, captured amid lush natural beauty, became a global phenomenon almost instantly. In just 10 minutes, it gained over 200,000 views — and by the time he reached home, it had already crossed 1 million.
Today, that reel has clocked over 554 million views, along with 9.2 million likes — more than the combined populations of Germany, France, and Spain. The viral video has been praised worldwide for its creativity, cinematography, and Rizwan’s raw talent.
Adding to his surreal rise, Rizwan was recently invited as a VIP guest by the Argentina Football Association, where he witnessed football legend Lionel Messi in action — not from the stands, but up close. “I never imagined my dream player would gift me this moment,” Rizwan shared, reflecting on the emotional experience. While an old hand injury halted his professional playing career, he reignited his passion through social media, crafting freestyle videos in dramatic settings — from rooftops to waterfalls and even underwater.
With over 2.2 million Instagram followers and multiple videos topping 250 million views, Rizwan’s fame has crossed continents. Last month in Dubai, ahead of his Argentina trip sponsored by Lulu Exchange, he met national team coach Lionel Scaloni, who told him, “Your tricks inspired the squad.” As Argentine media and fans swarmed him, he stood humbled, his Malayalam accent cutting through the buzz. “That one video opened the doors I had been chasing for years,” he said. “From Kerala streams to Messi’s stadium, it feels like the ball chose its own path.”
Recognised officially by Guinness World Records on January 8, 2024, Rizwan returned to the waterfall to mark the achievement, holding his certificate in a fresh video thanking fans globally for their love and support.
What’s more, this wasn’t a one-off. Rizwan’s other videos are also gaining momentum, with several already crossing 230 million views — further cementing his reputation as one of the internet’s most watched creators. His journey from a fun moment with friends to global stardom shows how a mix of talent, timing, and creativity can make history on digital platforms.
The Instagram reel world record set by this young athlete has not only inspired millions but also spotlighted Kerala’s natural beauty and India’s growing influence in the digital creator space.
