Malappuram: Muhammad Rizwan, an Instagram influencer and freestyle footballer from Mankavu in Areekode, Malappuram, has earned another recognition. He has been selected for the Instagram Rings Award, instituted for Instagram creators from across the world.

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The award brings special features to the recipient's Instagram profile, including a gold ring around the profile picture when stories are posted, the option to change the profile's background colour and a customised style for the like button on posts.

The Instagram Rings Award recognises creators based on the originality and creativity of their content and its impact on society, rather than the number of followers they have. Only two people from India have received the award. A total of 25 creators from different countries feature on the award list, including Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland.

In 2023, a video of Rizwan kicking a football towards Kerala's Keralamkundu waterfall with his feet was viewed by 60 crore people.

The video set a record as the most-viewed Instagram Reel.

Rizwan has been passionate about football since childhood. He played in tournaments and for his school team. However, after an accident in 2015, doctors told him he would not be able to play football again. Since then he turned to freestyle football.

The 23-year-old currently has 2.7 million followers on Instagram.

He is the son of Abdul Majeed and Maimoona.