Rakuten kicks off original soccer doc

Rakuten TV’s Andrés Iniesta – The Unexpected Hero

VoD operator Rakuten TV has unveiled its latest original sports documentary, Andrés Iniesta – The Unexpected Hero, which is set to air this spring.

The documentary sheds light on the life of the former FC Barcelona and Spain footballer and traces his career from his time at the Barcelona Youth Academy to Fifa World Cup glory with Spain and his recent move to Japan.

The project includes exclusive interviews and testimonials from global football stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Pep Guardiola and Sergio Ramos.

Rakuten TV will produce the documentary alongside Spanish prodco Producciones del Barrio, with journalist Marcos López scripting the project.

Andrés Iniesta – The Unexpected Hero will be released globally, starting with Europe, Japan, the US and South-East Asia. In Europe, the documentary will be available on Rakuten TV’s AVoD service, with Rakuten TV and Rakuten Sports broadcasting the title in Japan.

Streaming service Rakuten Viki and Rakuten Sports will air the doc in the US and South-East Asia.