Galacticos series, showcasing Real Madrid to air exclusively on ESPN across Africa

Three-part series unlocks the secrets behind the team that transformed the world and the revolutionary idea that turned the game of soccer into an industry

Continuing its leading position in showcasing unparalleled original sports programming, ESPN Africa will premiere Galacticos, a three-part documentary series chronicling the inception, highs and lows of Florentino Perez’s “Galactico” revolution as he led the club Real Madrid to the top of world soccer.

Premiering exclusively on ESPN (DStv 218) across Africa from 23 - 25 March at 21:30 (CAT), Galacticos documents Pérez’s first term as president of Real Madrid and the “Galactico” revolution he oversaw to make the team the most glamorous and successful football club the world has ever seen.

The series traces Real Madrid’s time under Perez, from his Presidential win and controversial transfer of Luis Figo from bitter rivals Barcelona in July 2000, to the resignation of his first term as Real Madrid President in February 2006 following the fallout from his “Galáctico” vision.

Galacticos follows the transfers of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham, who joined the club between 2001 to 2003 who, alongside Figo, formed the “Galactico” (Spanish for “galactics”, referring to superstars) generation. The series also explores Perez’s vision to modernise Real Madrid in a new world of sponsorship, image rights and the internet to become a global sporting superpower in the 2000’s.

In Perez’s first three years at the club, Real Madrid won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2002, two Spanish Super Cups, the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. Yet, as Perez’s reign progressed, we hear from key players, board members and journalists about the friction between the old and new Real Madrid. With huge egos in both the dressing room and board rooms, and with the importance of marketing over football, the breaking-up of Real’s winning formula led to the demise of the ‘Galactico’ revolution, ending in Perez resigning from his role at the club in 2006.

“Galacticos is another superb original series from ESPN’s award-winning documentary unit,” 

says Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa.

“The series shares intriguing new insights about one of the world’s most ambitious soccer teams and, knowing the club’s popularity on the continent, we are thrilled to share this remarkable tale with soccer fans this month.”

Galacticos includes fascinating insights from a stellar interview cast of Real Madrid legends, including Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Fernando Hierro, Claude Makélélé, Fernando Morientes, Steve McManaman and Manager Vicente del Bosque, alongside individuals closest to Perez.

Note – All broadcast dates and times are subject to change. See local listings for updates to details.