The short version
- Netflix has released a three-part documentary series about Jose Mourinho, filmed over two years by director Joe Pearlman.
- The series focuses on Mourinho's desire to correct the public record regarding his nickname 'The Special One' and his managerial legacy.
- Critics argue that while the film covers his career highlights and controversies, it fails to provide deep personal insight due to Mourinho's guarded nature.
Netflix has launched a new three-part documentary series centered on football manager Jose Mourinho, offering viewers an extended look at one of the sport’s most polarizing figures. Directed by Joe Pearlman, known for his work on the 2018 film Bros: After the Screaming Stops, the project was filmed over a two-year period. The release marks a significant moment in sports media, as it attempts to capture the essence of a manager who has long been defined by his public persona and tactical brilliance rather than personal openness.
The central tension of the series lies in Mourinho’s reluctance to engage in deep self-reflection. Throughout the three episodes, he maintains a guarded demeanor, often deflecting attempts to probe his inner thoughts. In one notable moment near the end of the final part, Mourinho explicitly states that he does not want to speak about himself, accusing the filmmakers of pushing him too far. This resistance raises questions about the purpose of such an extensive documentary project if the subject remains largely closed off from genuine introspection.
A primary motivation for participating in the series appears to be Mourinho’s desire to set the record straight regarding his public image. He takes particular issue with the nickname 'The Special One,' which he famously adopted upon arriving in England. In the documentary, he insists that the phrase was not self-applied but rather coined by others in England. To support this claim, Pearlman includes archival footage of Mourinho’s first press conference as Chelsea manager, where he uses the term. However, Mourinho emphasizes a linguistic distinction, noting that he said 'a special one' rather than 'the special one,' a nuance he believes is critical to understanding his intended meaning.
The documentary chronicles Mourinho’s rise to prominence, highlighting key moments in his career that established his reputation as a formidable tactician. It covers his unexpected victory with FC Porto in the 2004 Champions League, a triumph that brought him international attention. The series also details his first spell at Chelsea, a period marked by sustained success and dominance in English football. While these achievements are presented as evidence of his right to control his own narrative, the film offers limited critical examination of the broader context surrounding his tenure, such as the influence of owner Roman Abramovich.
Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid is another focal point, with the series depicting his role in shifting the balance of power in Spanish club football. It highlights his intense rivalry with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, a conflict that defined an era of La Liga. The documentary portrays Mourinho as a central figure in reversing the dominance of his rivals, reinforcing his image as a strategic mastermind capable of challenging established hierarchies within the sport.
Despite its focus on professional achievements, the series does not shy away from the controversies that have accompanied Mourinho’s career. It addresses his often contentious relationships with referees and officials, including the incident involving referee Anders Frisk. The documentary notes that Mourinho’s accusations against Frisk were so severe that UEFA had to intervene, officially clearing Mourinho of responsibility for threats made to Frisk’s family by members of the public. This inclusion serves to acknowledge the darker aspects of his public behavior without fully exploring their underlying causes.
Critics have pointed out that while the documentary covers these events, it rarely delves into the psychological or moral implications of Mourinho’s actions. His dealings with the media are described as legendary, characterized by paranoia and haughtiness, yet the film does not provide a comprehensive analysis of why he adopted such a confrontational stance. The lack of deep interrogation leaves many questions unanswered regarding the motivations behind his frequently appalling behavior.
The contrast between Pearlman’s previous work and this project is stark. Bros: After the Screaming Stops succeeded because its subjects lacked self-awareness, creating unintentional comedy. Mourinho, by comparison, is acutely aware of how he is perceived and carefully controls his image. This self-seriousness limits the documentary’s ability to reveal new insights, resulting in a film that feels more like a curated presentation than an unvarnished character study.
Ultimately, the series serves as a platform for Mourinho to assert his version of events, particularly regarding the origins of his nickname and his professional legacy. However, it falls short of providing the intimate revelations that audiences might expect from a three-part docuseries. The film establishes what Mourinho wants the public to believe about himself, but it leaves unresolved the deeper questions about his character and the impact of his methods on those around him.
As the series airs, viewers are left to decide whether this controlled narrative is sufficient for understanding one of football’s most complex figures. While it offers a comprehensive overview of his career milestones and controversies, the lack of personal vulnerability means that Mourinho remains something of a closed book, even after two years of filming.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Mourinho review – if he didn’t want to open up, maybe he shouldn’t have starred in a docuseries...
- Netflix↗Mourinho Documentary Filmed Over Two Years with Legendary Soccer Manager
