Doha, Qatar – British freestyle footballer Nathan Davies, known as “The Soccer Showman,” began a four-day attempt today, December 1st, to break a new world record for the longest continuous “keepy-uppy” – juggling a football without letting it touch the ground – across the country. Davies aims to travel over 100 kilometers, starting at Dukhan Beach and finishing at the Doha Corniche. The challenge highlights the growing popularity of freestyle football and Qatar’s continued association with the sport following its hosting of the FIFA World Cup.
The attempt commenced at 6:00 AM local time and is expected to cover roughly 30 kilometers daily for the first three days, with a final 10-kilometer stretch to the Corniche on Thursday. Davies, a 50-year-old now based in New Jersey, has spent months preparing for the physical and mental demands of the ambitious feat.
Preparing for a Qatar World Record Attempt
Davies’ preparation involved significantly increasing his walking distance and incorporating robust strength and stretching routines, all while maintaining his work schedule running a football school. Recognizing the importance of recovery, he balanced training with adequate rest, understanding the toll the continuous juggling and walking would take. He also emphasized the crucial role of mental fortitude in sustaining focus over such a long distance.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Davies explained his motivation stemmed from a desire to combine his passion for football with a cross-country endurance challenge. He specifically chose Qatar due to its relatively flat terrain and favorable climate during this time of year. He also cited the country’s recent hosting of a major international football event as a compelling factor.
Challenges Along the Route
The athlete anticipates several challenges, including Qatar’s fluctuating weather conditions and the varied desert landscape. Maintaining consistent ball control and concentration throughout the journey are paramount. “I try to just keep focus on making contact in the middle of the ball and try not to think of anything else,” Davies stated, describing his technique for the initial miles.
However, he added, maintaining that focus over the long haul requires minimizing negative thoughts and staying immersed in the rhythm of the juggling. This represents a significant test of endurance and mental discipline, requiring him to constantly adjust to the environment.
Davies already holds four official Guinness world records: most consecutive shoulder touches (5,897), heel touches (283), football rolls across the forehead (2,048), and knee touches (6,539). This new attempt builds on his established reputation in the world of freestyle football, a discipline demanding exceptional skill, coordination, and stamina.
The athlete is encouraging supporters to follow his progress on Instagram (@soccershowman). He anticipates that residents may be able to join him along the final stretch to the Doha Corniche on Thursday, offering encouragement and even participating in the walk. Follow the challenge on Instagram for live updates.
Davies’ journey began with his father’s passion for marathon running, fostering a family tradition of long-distance athleticism. Football entered his life at age 11, quickly becoming his dominant interest, while he discovered freestyling at 13 after witnessing a world champion performance. This combination of athletic background and football artistry culminated in his unique pursuit of breaking endurance-based football records.
The completion of the challenge is expected on Thursday afternoon upon reaching the Doha Corniche. Officials will be monitoring Davies’ attempt to verify compliance with Guinness World Record guidelines. The final confirmation of a new record will depend on this verification process, and there is no current timeline available for when results will be officially announced.
