Netflix’s new football documentary explores one of the sport’s greatest controversies
Figo is an important part of this documentary and tries to shed light on what really happened more than 20 years later. It will be an exciting watch for sports and Netflix documentation lovers alike. Netflix has had its fair share of ups and downs, but one thing that has remained constant is the quality of its documentaries, with its latest, The Figo Affair, set to be a must-watch for all football fans around the world.
Produced by David Tryhorn and Ben Nicholas, best known for their work on the 2021 biographical documentary film Pelé, The Figo Affair: The Transfer that Changed Football (or El Caso Figo) will chronicle the Portuguese player’s controversial transfer from Barcelona to rival Real Madrid in July 2000. At 62 million euros, the move was the most expensive in football history and heralded the beginning of the “Galácticos” era.
It also led to Figo becoming one of the most hated people in Catalonia. now Netflix has gained access to the men who brokered the deal that shattered the transfer record, divided a nation and shaped modern football. It will also delve into the twisted tales of backroom deals, a truly historic sporting rivalry, a deep cultural divide and, of all things, a pig’s head.
Figo is an important part of this documentary and tries to set the record straight more than 20 years later. It will be an exciting watch for sports and Netflix documentation lovers alike.
“Following the success of Pelé, Ben and I were delighted to be collaborating again with Netflix on El Caso Figo. It’s getting harder and harder to find sports documentaries that say something new that aren’t simply biographies or sporting success stories, so we believe El Caso Figo is one of a kind. Focused on the transfer rather than Figo’s career, the film educates us about truth, greed, morality and the inner workings of the world’s most popular sport,” said Tryhorn.
“We were pleased that everyone involved in the deal was willing to fully participate. Everyone from Florentino Peréz to Pep Guardiola has been generous with their time, but Luís Figo has been particularly accommodating as he has been desperate to set the record right after two decades of avoiding the question of his transfer.”
The Figo Affair will be available to stream on Netflix from August 25, 2022.
Looking for something to look at in the meantime? Check out T3’s top picks best netflix series 2022 – so far – including Better Call Saul, which just wrapped up its sixth and final season.