Cuban Jhoen Lefont breaks world record by floating 31 minutes with soccer ball on his head

May 27, 2025

Cuban Jhoen Lefont made history this Saturday by setting a new world record by keeping a soccer ball balanced on his head while floating in water for 31 minutes and two seconds, surpassing by more than two minutes the previous record in this singular aquatic discipline.

The milestone was achieved in the main pool of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, an emblematic Havana complex, under the supervision of international referees from FIFA and World Aquatics.

These organizations certified that the attempt complied with rigorous protocols, including static body posture, unaided flotation, and permanent contact of the ball with the head.

Lefont, a native of Matanzas province, shattered the previous record of 28 minutes and 34 seconds set by Nigerian Tonye Solomon on September 27, 2024 in Yenogoa, capital of Bayelsa state.

The feat makes the Caribbean athlete the only competitor to surpass the 30-minute barrier in this category, recognized by Guinness World Records since 2018.

“It has been an immense physical and mental challenge. Every second was a battle to maintain focus, but I achieved it thanks to my preparation and the support of everyone,” said the 37-year-old athlete, visibly emotional after exiting the water.

Photo: Arturo Santana del Busto/ACN.

Lefont, known in Cuba as “The ball balancer,” has spent more than a decade mastering aquatic challenges with a soccer ball, combining breathing techniques, concentration, and muscular resistance.

With this triumph, the athlete is beginning procedures to validate his twelfth Guinness title, establishing himself as the world's leading exponent in aquatic ball competitions.

Among his previous records stand out the longest distance swimming with the ball on his head (2.8 km in 2027) and speed in 100 meters freestyle with balance (1 minute and 12 seconds in 2029).

The event, broadcast live on social media, brought together hundreds of spectators at the hotel, including representatives from the Cuban Football Federation, who highlighted Lefont's “extreme dedication” in elevating the country's name in non-traditional disciplines.