EXCLUSIVE: Netflix is gearing up to launch a trio of Brazilian soccer docs, kicking off with Ronaldinho: The One and Only. There will also be a USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory and The Root of the Game. The soccer trio will premiere in the months leading up to this year’s World Cup.
Ronaldinho: The One and Only bows on April 16. The three-part doc about the eponymous star blends never-before-seen archive footage and exclusive access to his present-day life. The legendary Brazilian player won the coveted Ballon d’Or in a career that saw him become a star player for mega-club FC Barcelona. Canal Azul and Trailer Films produce this one and bill the doc as the story of how a boy from Porto Alegre conquered the world and became one of the most decorated players in history.
USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory is, as the name suggests, the story of how Brazil won its fourth World Cup in 1994. The freshly-announced doc launches on May 7. Players from the Brazilian side that triumphed in the U.S. go on the record, as do their rivals. The producers have secured previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage recorded by the athletes themselves throughout the tournament, which saw Brazil’s return to soccer’s elite after a period in the wilderness. Luis Ara directs with Trailer Films on production duty.
The third doc in the soccer trio is the previously unannounced The Root of the Game, which bows on Netflix on June 8.
Set against the background of the Super Copa Pioneer, which is São Paulo’s largest and most prestigious amateur soccer tournament, the series offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the competition, following players and coaches dreaming of the chance to change their lives. Ginga Pictures produces in partnership with R21, and it is directed by Alec Cutter.
Netflix has built a deep bench of originals out of Brazil. In a country famous for its love of soccer and its iconic yellow-clad national team, has greenlit several docs set in the world of the Beautiful Game. Region-wide, the streamer has many soccer-related projects including in scripted, such as the Diego Luna-starrer Mexico ’86, which tells the story behind Mexico landing the right to host the 1986 World Cup.
“This sport creates a unique connection with audiences,” said Elisa Chalfon, Head of Nonfiction at Netflix Brazil. “These are stories born on the streets, in neighborhoods, within families, spanning generations and reinforcing a sense of pride. This is an important pillar for Netflix, and we remain committed to investing in original productions that captivate audiences—both longtime sports fans and those who aren’t yet.”
English (US) ·