Kurdish man in Britain sets Guinness world record for football skills

Rebaz Mahdi, a British resident from Kurdistan, has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for his skills in free-style football.

“I wanted to take part in individual sports. That is why I chose to do free-style, which I have been doing for four years. I am currently one of the best across the UK. I have entered the Guinness World Book of Records for my ability," the 22-year-old tells Rudaw.

Mahdi does a variety of tricks — standing and sitting — dribbling and controlling the ball with his feet, knees, head, and neck all without the ball ever hitting the ground.

"Previously, the record was 31. I made it 41. I am very happy now that my name is in the Guinness Book of World Records. This means a lot to me,” Mahdi boasts.

He played football for three years. But he ended up favoring free-style. His father also helped and found good coaches.

“He was capable in sports. I introduced him to some people, and they said they wanted to work with him. He worked with them for three years. Then he tried to do free-style. I am happy about both – football and the sport he has chosen to do," explains Rebaz's father, Mahdi Mohammed.

He is known to be the second Kurd to enter the Guinness Book. Recently, Jarjees Rasheed Jarjees, a Kurd from Duhok inked his name for a record-setting number of pushups. 

“It is not that easy. You need to have high confidence in yourself, especially when you do it in front of people. It is not an easy sport. It needs good training. You get used to it when you do lots of training. I was very scared in the beginning. But it is okay for me now,” Rebaz Mahdi says.

His family lives in West Bromwich in the United Kingdom. He began training in his family’s small yard, now trains big sporting venues and the streets.