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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Self-Taught Freestyler Shines: Welsh teen racks up five Guinness World Records; YouTube drives rise

At 14, James Taylor has already made a name for himself on the international football freestyle circuit. The teenager from Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, recently finished third at the NextGen World Football Freestyle Championships in the Netherlands, adding another achievement to a remarkable record-breaking run. BBC Wales reported on his latest podium finish, while Italian youth publication Focus Junior has also highlighted his five Guinness World Records and success at the championships. Taylor is self-taught, developing his skills through daily practice and by studying football freestyle tutorials on YouTube. His latest Guinness World Record came in April 2026, when he set the under-16 record for the most “around-the-world” ball-control tricks in one minute.

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