Billy Wingrove signs professional football contract at the age of 43

Renowned freestyler Billy Wingrove has signed a professional football contract at 43 years old.

Wingrove rose to stardom alongside Jeremy Lynch as part of the F2 Freestylers, with the pair amassing over 10 million subscribers on their YouTube channel and even more across platforms.

The pair went their separate ways in 2021 but both remain active online, with Wingrove now focusing on his YouTube channel with his family that currently has 3.66 million subscribers.

A Tottenham Hotspur fan, Wingrove had a trial with the Spurs academy at a young age, but was eventually signed to the club in 2003 on a professional freestyle contract - the first of its kind in English football.

He played at semi-professional level for several years after signing that deal, and scored at Soccer Aid while representing the Rest of the World in 2025.

Now, Wingrove has signed a professional contract with Desert Falcon FC, who play in the United Arab Emirates' fourth-tier.

They are currently managed by former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, with 43-year-old Wingrove set to join in a player-coach role.

"We are delighted to welcome Billy Wingrove to Desert Falcon FC as a player-coach," an Instagram post announcing his contract reads.

"Billy brings a wealth of football experience, creativity and understanding of the game, with his influence set to support both the First Team and the Academy.

"He is looking forward to working closely with Steven Taylor, helping drive standards, develop players and strengthen the culture across the club."

Dubai has become a popular destination for former English footballers, with Jonjo Shelvey currently in charge of UAE Second League side Arabian Falcons.

Premier League winner Danny Simpson and ex-Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison both play for the club, with Simpson also acting as a coach and Morrison as club captain.

Former Southampton and Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon is the club's co-owner and head of football operations.

Upon his appointment as manager earlier this year, Shelvey said in a statement: "I'm excited to take on this challenge and lead the Falcons forward.

"We have a talented group and a clear vision to achieve promotion and build something special in Dubai.

"My ambition is to climb to the very top of management and this is the perfect project to prove myself and what I'm capable of."