Isabel Wilkins, an 18-year-old from Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire, has made history as the youngest ever football freestyle ‘keepy-uppy’ world champion — not once, but three times. Her extraordinary talent with the football began as soon as she could walk, evolving into a passion that flourished during the Covid lockdowns when she shifted from traditional football matches to freestyle.
Growing up playing for various local and regional football teams, Isabel used the lockdown period to focus on perfecting her freestyle skills — a fusion of football tricks, dance, acrobatics, and music designed to both entertain and compete. This dedication paid off as she took the world by storm, winning multiple prestigious competitions including three world championships and a UK championship.
Freestyle football, which tests technical skill and creativity, is still a niche sport, but Isabel hopes to elevate its status and win recognition on the global stage. “I want to keep competing and win as many titles as I can,” she says, “and eventually make a career out of freestyle.” She also dreams of seeing freestyle football included in the Olympics.
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Isabel’s self-taught journey began in her garden, where she experimented with moves until she developed her own signature tricks. Her rigorous training routine involves sessions early in the morning and again in the afternoon. Beyond competition, she values the close-knit freestyle community and friendships she’s formed worldwide.
Holding five football-related Guinness World Records and featured in the 2025 edition of the Guinness World Records book, Isabel continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Her ultimate ambition is to turn freestyle football into a full-time profession through performances, shoots, and workshops — inspiring a new generation and growing the sport globally.
“I love how freestyle lets me express myself and develop my own style,” Isabel explains. “My goal is to share this passion with the world and enjoy every moment of it.”