Watch Exploring Planet Futbol

Exploring Planet Futbol is an exhilarating sports documentary series that offers a kaleidoscopic view of football cultures and lifestyles from around the world. Produced by Sports Illustrated TV, this program showcases the diversity and passion of the beautiful game, revealing its intricate connections with politics, art, history, and society.

Hosted by veteran sports journalist Grant Wahl, each episode of Exploring Planet Futbol takes the audience on a thrilling journey to a different country or region, where football plays a vital role in shaping the local identity and spirit. From the rainforests of Brazil to the deserts of Qatar, from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the war-scarred fields of Bosnia, the show presents an eye-opening panorama of the global phenomenon that is football.

One of the most striking features of Exploring Planet Futbol is its meticulous attention to detail and authenticity. Rather than relying on clichés and stereotypes, the show immerses itself in the real lives and experiences of the people it encounters, capturing their stories and perspectives with sensitivity and respect. Whether it's talking to young aspiring players in the slums of Mumbai or attending a tense derby in Turkey, Wahl and his team show a deep curiosity and empathy for their subjects, and convey a genuine sense of wonder and appreciation for the richness of football cultures.

Another key strength of the show is its ability to navigate the complex and often controversial issues surrounding football, such as corruption, violence, racism, and gender equality. Rather than shying away from these topics, Exploring Planet Futbol confronts them head-on, examining their roots, effects, and possible solutions. Whether it's investigating the links between FIFA and political power in Russia, or exploring the challenges faced by female players in Iran, the show blends rigorous journalism with thoughtful reflection, avoiding easy answers or simplistic judgments.

Yet despite its serious and critical approach, Exploring Planet Futbol remains a highly entertaining and engaging program, filled with unforgettable moments of drama and spectacle. From the acrobatic skills of freestylers in Brazil to the fanatical chants of ultras in Argentina, from the dazzling pyrotechnics of Korean stadium shows to the haunting choirs of Bosnian supporters, the show captures the sheer beauty and power of football as a cultural expression and social force. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, you'll find something to admire, learn, and enjoy in every episode of this remarkable series.

Overall, Exploring Planet Futbol is an outstanding example of sports documentary-making, combining rigorous research, bold storytelling, and heartfelt passion into a powerful and inspiring vision of what football can mean to people all over the world. By taking us on a thrilling and insightful journey through the many faces and facets of the beautiful game, this show invites us to join in the global conversation and celebration of football as a universal language of love, unity, and creativity.

Exploring Planet Futbol is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between June 4, 2018 and on Sports Illustrated TV