Los Angeles, June 10, 2025 — Netflix has officially set the global debut of its most eagerly awaited sports documentary of the year. Titled THE UNDERDOG, the film chronicles the extraordinary life and career of Joel Robert, a supercross legend whose legacy transcends motorsport itself. The streaming giant has confirmed that the documentary will launch worldwide on June 25, 2025 .
The Story Behind the Legend
Joel Robert’s story begins in the unassuming town of Châtelet, Belgium, where, born in 1943, he first mounted a dirt bike and began a journey that would revolutionize motocross. With no formal training facilities or elite sponsorships, Robert forged his path through sheer will and instinct, earning his first FIM 250 cc Motocross World Championship in 1964 at just 20 years old. Over the next decade, he racked up six world championship titles, becoming a dominant yet polarizing figure on the international scene .
THE UNDERDOG promises more than a compilation of race footage. According to its producers, Netflix aims to peel back the layers of Robert’s life—from fearless glory laps to quiet moments of conflict—with unprecedented access to archives, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content .
A Portrait of Passion and Defiance
Archival clips and modern interviews form the documentary’s visual backbone. Robert—known for his rebellious streak and refusal to submit to commercial or federation pressures—once challenged the motorsport status quo with his unorthodox riding style and uncompromising attitude. Despite his undeniable talent, he often found himself at odds with sponsors and governing bodies, a tension that serves as a central theme of the film .
Director Luca Moretti, praised for earlier works such as Born to Ride and The Last Lap, explained that the goal is to explore “a full, honest picture” of Robert—not just as an elite athlete, but as a man who refused to yield or conform .
From Dirt Tracks to Legacy
The narrative takes viewers from Belgian mud trails to world championship podiums, then into Robert’s later years. After his retirement from competition, Robert ventured into mentoring young riders across Europe, championing motocross development in the region. Despite declining health in the 2010s, including serious illness leading to his passing in 2021, he remained an influential presence in the sport until his final days .
Among those featured in the documentary are modern motocross stars and commentators, including Ken Roczen, who echoes Robert’s stubborn courage as a major influence on his own approach to racing: “Every time I go out there, I think about Joel. He didn’t ride to please people—he rode to win, to feel alive” .
A Visual and Emotional Spectacle
Produced with cinematic flair and emotional depth, THE UNDERDOG features high-resolution race footage, drone shots capturing stadiums and rural tracks alike, and an original score designed to mirror the film’s raw intensity. Archival race sequences juxtaposed with intimate present-day interviews create a visceral experience of both challenge and triumph .
Researchers and filmmakers also managed to uncover rare footage of Robert’s clashes with rivals from across Europe and the U.S., drawing a textured portrait of a man who won on talent but often clashed with the sport’s establishment.
Why
THE UNDERDOG
Matters
Netflix is positioning THE UNDERDOG as the next breakout in its growing catalog of impactful sports documentaries—alongside The Last Dance, Drive to Survive, and Break Point. Unlike those with broad team or player-based narratives, this film digs into the mind and ethos of a singular personality who dared to challenge norms. It’s a deeply personal story of defiance, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in one’s own art .
With mental health, athlete identity, and the cost of fame at the forefront of modern storytelling, Robert’s life provides a powerful canvas. The themes of resilience against institutional friction and personal failure elevate the documentary from motorsport nostalgia to universal inspiration.
Fan Buzz and Cultural Impact
Even before its trailer or premiere date dropped, motocross enthusiasts began stirring up excitement online. Social media has quickly lit up with hashtags like #TheUnderdogNetflix and #JoelRobertLegend, as fans and journalists reflect on Robert’s complex legacy—both revered and misunderstood .
What to Expect on June 25
On June 25, 2025, THE UNDERDOG will be available on Netflix in nearly every territory worldwide. The global release promises simultaneous access across devices and platforms, allowing both longtime motocross fans and first‑time viewers to dive into one of the sport’s most compelling human dramas .
Final Thoughts
Joel Robert was never the polished, corporate-friendly face of motocross. Instead, he was a raw, unapologetic talent whose genius on the track was matched only by his fierce independence. THE UNDERDOG is, in essence, his final ride—not just a biography, but a mirror held to the human spirit in motion. Netflix’s latest documentary not only reaffirms Robert’s place as a motorsport icon, but challenges us all: true greatness is found not in comfort, but in the courage to be real.
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