MusaBeyond the Hoops: Netflix Unveils the Epic, Unvarnished Saga of Celtic FC
The streaming giant has done it again, but this time it’s not a true-crime thriller or a sci-fi epic causing the global buzz—it’s football. Netflix’s latest documentary, Hoops: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Celtic FC, promises to be more than a sports film; it’s a visceral dive into the soul of an institution where football is religion, identity, and a matter of life and death.
Forget polished highlight reels. This series, according to early teasers and insider reports, pulls no punches. It’s a story not just of trophies, but of tectonic social shifts, profound heartbreak, and a spirit so resilient it has defined a global diaspora.
The Glory: More Than Silverware
The documentary begins not in a boardroom, but in the impoverished streets of Glasgow’s East End in 1888. Founded by a Marist brother to feed the poor and unite an immigrant Irish community facing discrimination, Celtic was born from charity. The film brilliantly captures this unique origin—the “club with a conscience.” Early footage and evocative dramatizations show how winning was about dignity as much as dominance.
Viewers are then taken on a breathless ride through the golden eras: the Lisbon Lions of 1967, a team born within 30 miles of Celtic Park that conquered Europe, becoming the first British club to lift the European Cup. The documentary uses stunningly restored color footage and intimate interviews with surviving legends, not just recounting the match, but the powerful symbolism of their victory for a community.
The Heartbreak: Shadows and Setbacks
Hoops truly distinguishes itself by dedicating equal weight to the valleys between the peaks. This isn’t hagiography.
· The Dark Years: The 1990s are presented with unflinching honesty—the club on the brink of financial collapse, mismanagement, and the palpable fear that this eternal flame might flicker out.
· Personal Tragedies: It delves into the profound losses that shook the Celtic family, from the sudden passing of beloved manager Tommy Burns to the heartbreaking death of young talent John Paul Duffy. These moments are handled with a raw, emotional texture that connects with any viewer, fan or not.
· The Constant Chase: The series also explores the psychological weight of the perennial rivalry with Rangers, framing it as a duel that has fueled both historic success and periods of agonizing pursuit.
The Unbreakable Spirit: The People’s Club
Where the documentary soars is in its exploration of what truly makes Celtic “unbreakable.”
Cameras travel from the standing stalls of Celtic Park—the famous “Jungle”—to supporters’ clubs in New York, Toronto, and Sydney. We meet fans for whom Celtic is a tether to heritage, a symbol of resistance, and a source of community. The film highlights charitable initiatives like the Celtic FC Foundation, directly linking back to the club’s founding mission.
A powerful segment follows the “Green Brigade” and broader fanbase during the 2012 season when the club faced extinction. Their displays, their protests, and their unwavering support are framed as the key force that helped resurrect the club, leading to the modern renaissance under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
Why This Documentary Is a Game-Changer
Early reviewers note that Hoops succeeds because it understands its subject is a cultural phenomenon. It tackles complex issues surrounding Irish immigration and Scottish identity with nuance. It doesn’t shy away from the political undertones that have surrounded the club, but presents them through the personal stories of those who live it.
The access is unprecedented: from the boardroom during tense takeover talks, to the dressing room at halftime of a crucial match, to the kitchens where staff prepare matchday pies. The soundtrack, a mix of traditional folk and anthemic modern rock, underscores the emotional journey.
Final Whistle
Hoops: The Epic Story of Celtic FC’s Glory, Heartbreak, and Unbreakable Spirit is more than a football documentary. It’s a story about community resilience, about how a sports club can be a beacon of hope and a keeper of identity. It proves that the most compelling dramas are not scripted; they are lived, cheered, and wept over by millions.
As one former player remarks in the film’s climax, “You don’t choose Celtic. It chooses you. And once it does, it never lets go.” Netflix hasn’t just released a series; it’s opened a window into that unforgettable, unbreakable bond. Prepare to be hooked.
Musa
