Netflix is actively expanding its sports content, as this has become one of the main draws of the platform. Drive to Survive is an absolute megahit, and the streaming service wants to replicate this across a range of other sports.
The company wants to make more football content but has ignored the Portuguese Primeira Liga. It’s clearly missing a trick here, as there’s so much potential for great content. A Netflix series could focus on the incredible talent that Portugal’s top clubs continuously produce or explore some of the key rivalries in the league.
Portugal has plenty of stories that can easily be expanded upon
Although Cristiano Ronaldo has been an incredible ambassador for Portuguese football for many years, it may be time to move out of his shadow and promote the game in the country in other ways. The iconic forward has had such a wonderful career that he has taken the focus away from other hugely talented stars in Portugal.
Netflix could be the first to break the mould and move away from a Ronaldo focus towards other aspects of the Portuguese game. There are plenty of stories that would make for excellent television and show that there’s a lot to pique people’s interests. For example, the fierce rivalries between Benfica, Porto and Sporting CP provide an excellent narrative. A documentary could offer a real sense of what makes these sides different and explore how the rivalries have come about due to the diverse identities within them.
Why has Portugal been overlooked?
Aside from Ronaldo hogging the limelight, Portuguese football may have been overlooked by documentary makers at Netflix because the league simply isn’t as big as others in Europe. The Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga all overshadow it, and producers look for stories in these places first.
Portugal could do more to showcase the commercial appeal of its football, and this would help position it as an attractive proposition for platforms like Netflix. One way to do this could be by introducing the league and its stars through accessible digital formats, such as online slots. There are already various football casino slots, such as Football Final Xup and Big Football Bonus. A Portugal-themed game could act as a way for people to build familiarity with the game in the country before exploring it in a documentary format.
Portugal’s talent pipeline is built for binge-worthy content
One area of focus that could be great for a Netflix documentary is Portugal’s talent pipeline, and the search for the next Ronaldo. With the GOAT set to play in his last ever World Cup this year, the national side needs someone who can carry it through its next era.
The Benfica academy is regarded as one of the best in the world, producing the likes of João Félix, Rúben Dias, and Ederson in recent years. It’s hugely profitable, and a series that delves into its inner workings could be interesting.
Netflix is clearly making a mistake by currently ignoring Portuguese football for its next documentaries. It’s time to put the sport in the country on the map, and show that it has strong commercial appeal.
