The rise of fly-on-the-wall sports documentaries, particularly in football, has become a notable trend, but it is increasingly failing to capture the interest of viewers. Initially, these productions seemed like an exciting way to offer fans a glimpse into the inner workings of their favorite clubs, players, and competitions. However, the genre has grown stale, with most offerings proving to be little more than corporate PR disguised as insightful documentaries. The issue lies in the fact that these shows are more concerned with generating content for streaming platforms than telling compelling, authentic stories.
One key problem is the way in which these documentaries are produced. Often, the subjects themselves are also the creators, meaning that the content is carefully curated to avoid controversy and ensure a positive image. This approach leads to a lack of depth and genuine insight, as the real, unfiltered moments are often left out in favor of sanitized, promotional narratives. The documentary about Wayne Rooney’s short-lived managerial stint at Plymouth Argyle is a prime example of this. Initially pitched as an in-depth look at the club’s battle for survival in the Championship, it was ultimately scrapped, reflecting the growing disillusionment with the genre. Fans were not interested in the project, and the club feared it could become a distraction during a critical period.
Similarly, popular series like Amazon’s All or Nothing have also lost their appeal. While earlier seasons featuring clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal generated some buzz, the formula has grown tired. Many players, such as former Spurs captain Hugo Lloris, have expressed dissatisfaction with the intrusion these documentaries cause, citing how they restrict freedom of speech and movement. Additionally, the financial returns, while substantial, often don’t justify the disruption to the team’s operations or reputation.
The content produced by streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and others has become increasingly uninspiring. Shows such as Saudi Pro League Kickoff, La Liga: All Access, and Together: Treble Winners offer little more than promotional material disguised as documentary, offering no real substance or critical analysis. These series often focus on superficial elements, such as crowd reactions or slow-motion shots of players, and provide little insight into the actual challenges faced by teams or athletes. Even when attempting to explore the lives of complex figures like Neymar or Nicolas Anelka, the result is often a shallow, unchallenging portrayal that offers little new to viewers.
The reason for this mediocrity lies in the priorities of the streaming platforms themselves. They are less concerned with creating quality content than with maximizing the volume of content available to attract and retain subscribers. The sheer scale of sports content available on these platforms, combined with a lack of genuine journalistic oversight, means that viewers are bombarded with an endless stream of bland, formulaic documentaries. These platforms are not interested in providing viewers with meaningful insights into the world of sport; instead, they focus on generating content that will keep users subscribed for just a little longer.
As a result, the sports documentary has lost much of its potential as a tool for storytelling, investigation, and reflection. Where once documentaries sought to challenge power and expose the truths behind the scenes, they now serve as instruments of corporate branding. The once-promising genre has become a lifeless, predictable experience, offering little more than a distraction for viewers. For those seeking genuine insight into the world of sport, the modern sports documentary often falls short, and the genre’s future looks bleak.
