Netflix's new must-watch documentary explores one of the biggest controversies in sport

The Figo Affair, which tells the story of Luis Figo's controversial move from Barcelona to Real Madrid, hits Netflix later this week

Netflix logo and Luis Figo
(Image credit: Netflix)

Figo is very much a part of this documentary, looking to come clean about what really happened more than 20 years on. It's set to be a thrilling watch for sports and Netflix documentary lovers alike.  Netflix has experienced its fair share of ups and downs but one thing that has remained consistent is the quality of its documentaries with its latest, The Figo Affair, set to be a must-watch for any football fans around the globe. 

Made 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 explore the Portuguese player's controversial transfer from Barcelona to rivals Real Madrid in July 2000. At the time, the move was the most expensive in football history at €62 million and signalled the beginning of the "Galácticos " era. 

It also resulted in Figo being 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 dive into the twisting taled of backroom deals, a truly historic sporting rivalry, a deep cultural divide, and a pig’s head of all things. 

Figo is very much a part of this documentary, looking to set the record straight more than 20 years on. It's set to be a thrilling watch for sports and Netflix documentary lovers alike.  

"After the success of Pelé, Ben and I were delighted to partner with Netflix again on El Caso Figo. It’s increasingly hard to find sports documentaries that are saying something new, that aren’t simply biographies or histories of sporting successes, so we believe El Caso Figo is unique. Focussing on the transfer rather than Figo’s career, the film informs us about truth, greed, morality, and the inner workings of the world’s most popular sport," said Tryhorn. 

"We were delighted that all those involved in the deal were willing to participate in full. Everyone, from Florentino Peréz to Pep Guardiola, was generous with their time but Luís Figo was particularly accommodating, desperate as he was to finally set the record straight after two decades of avoiding the question of his transfer."

The Figo Affair will be available to stream on Netflix from August 25th, 2022. 

Looking for something to watch in the meantime? Check out T3's top picks for the best Netflix series of 2022 so far – including Better Call Saul, which just wrapped up its sixth and final season.  

Matt Poskitt
Freelance Writer

Matt is a freelance writer for T3, covering news and keeping up with everything games, entertainment, and all manner of tech. You can find his work across numerous sites across the web, including TechRadar, IGN, GamesRadar, Tom's Guide, Fandom, NME, and more. In his spare time, Matt is an avid cinema-goer, keen runner and average golfer (at best). You can follow him @MattPoskitt64