A FOOTBALL fan who dreamed of becoming a professional player has perfected the skill of balancing a ball on his head — no matter where he goes.

    Abdul Halim, 41, from Magura, southwestern Bangladesh, is able to keep the football balanced on top of his head while cycling, swimming, running and even getting changed.

    Footage shows him roller-skating with the ball on his head, as well as spinning footballs on the ends of pencils while balancing on top of another ball.

    The Guinness World Record holder has spent years practicing his ball skills after becoming inspired as a teenager.

    Abdul has gained fame after perfecting the talent and has been invited to numerous tournaments in Bangladesh, as well as appearing on television.

    He said, “It started as a hobby which turned into a passion, and now it is my profession.

    “It hasn’t made me rich but I do it for my country, I want to achieve something for my country.”

    Abdul added, “People used to say I was ‘good for nothing.’ They thought I was wasting my time. It made me feel bad. But I’ve proved them wrong.”

    He used to play football regularly while at school and saw some players do some impressive football tricks.

    “I was very young and I was really impressed by their technique, they could balance the ball on their heads for ages so I started practicing with them. And I too got good,” he said.

    For a decade, Abdul made a career for himself by showcasing his talents. He was sometimes able to charge 10,000 Taka (US$125) an hour while performing at tournaments.

    He is the current Guinness World Record holder for the fastest 100 meters on roller skates with a football balanced on the head.

    He previously held the record for the greatest distance traveled with a football balanced on the head.

    However, Abdul feels his skills are no longer valued in his country. He said, “People of Bangladesh are not impressed any more. I’ve achieved glory for my country but it has not brought any monetary paybacks.

    “People do not really care about my achievements. People don’t know what a Guinness record is. Only the educated people value it. And my people do not care. I now face severe money problems because I can’t earn anything. I want to set more records for my country but I do not have the support. It feels like no one cares.”(SD-Agencies)