Netflix has officially confirmed a brand-new documentary centred on Liverpool’s unbelievable 2005 Champions League triumph over AC Milan, with Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul set to premiere on May 19, 2026. The highly anticipated documentary promises to deliver the definitive account of one of football’s greatest comebacks, featuring exclusive interviews with the heroes who made history at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
Table of Contents
The Greatest Comeback Story in Football History
At half-time in the 2005 Champions League final, Liverpool were 3-0 down. What happened next made football history, as the Reds mounted an impossible comeback to defeat AC Milan on penalties after drawing 3-3 in one of the most dramatic finals ever witnessed. Now, 21 years later, Netflix’s acclaimed UNTOLD series turns its attention to UK football for the first time, bringing fresh perspectives and never-before-shared stories from that magical night.
The documentary focuses specifically on Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down against AC Milan and features interviews and archive footage with key figures including Steven Gerrard, who Alessandro Nesta referred to as an “animal” on the night, Jamie Carragher and Rafael Benitez, among others.
Documentary Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | UNTOLD UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul |
| Platform | Netflix Exclusive |
| Premiere Date | May 19, 2026 |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Runtime | Feature-length documentary |
| Genre | Sports Documentary |
| Starring | Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Rafael Benítez |
A Season of Chaos Leading to Glory
A new manager. A departing striker. A changing team. The documentary tells the story of how Liverpool turned their turbulent 2004/05 season into European glory. Rafael Benítez had just arrived as manager, replacing Gérard Houllier, while Michael Owen’s departure to Real Madrid left a significant void in the squad. The team underwent major transitions throughout the campaign, finishing fifth in the Premier League and facing criticism for inconsistent performances.
Yet somehow, this team in transition produced one of football’s most memorable moments. The documentary promises to explore the internal dynamics, dressing room tensions, and tactical decisions that shaped this unlikely triumph.
Star-Studded Interview Lineup
UNTOLD UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul is the definitive story of The Reds’ extraordinary win against all odds, told through the unfiltered perspectives of manager Rafael Benítez and star players Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, among others. The documentary brings together the key figures from that historic night, offering their candid reflections two decades after the event.

Key Contributors
| Interviewee | Role in 2005 | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Gerrard | Captain | Scored crucial header to make it 3-1 |
| Jamie Carragher | Defender | Played through injury in extra time |
| Rafael Benítez | Manager | Tactical mastermind of the comeback |
| Xabi Alonso | Midfielder | Scored equalizing penalty |
| Jerzy Dudek | Goalkeeper | Penalty shootout heroics |
Part of Netflix’s Expanding UNTOLD UK Series
The critically acclaimed sports documentary series UNTOLD expands its borders with a trip to the UK this spring to dive deep into the world of soccer. UNTOLD UK will go beyond the headlines and pull back the curtain on the most dramatic moments and personalities of the beautiful game. The series of three documentaries will cover unlikely Premier League legend Jamie Vardy, Liverpool’s miraculous 2005 Champions League–winning team, and controversial professional player turned actor Vinnie Jones. Premiering weekly — starting May 12 — these candid stories are packed with grit, resilience, heartbreak, and plenty of locker-room banter.
UNTOLD UK Release Schedule
| Episode | Subject | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Jamie Vardy | May 12, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul | May 19, 2026 |
| Episode 3 | Vinnie Jones | May 26, 2026 |
Behind the Documentary
The production team behind UNTOLD UK has gained unprecedented access to archive footage and secured interviews that promise to reveal new angles on this well-documented story. Nearly two decades on, the Miracle of Istanbul still feels fresh – and this documentary looks set to introduce the drama, emotion and sheer madness of that final to an entirely new audience.
The documentary utilizes modern filmmaking techniques to recreate the tension and drama of that night, combining match footage with contemporary interviews and behind-the-scenes material that has never been released to the public. The production team has worked closely with Liverpool FC to access club archives, ensuring authenticity in their retelling of events.
The Night That Changed Everything
For those unfamiliar with the story, Liverpool faced AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final as heavy underdogs. The Italian giants boasted a star-studded lineup including Paolo Maldini, Kaká, Andrea Pirlo, and Andriy Shevchenko. By halftime, Milan led 3-0, and the match appeared over. What followed was six minutes of madness as Liverpool scored three goals between the 54th and 60th minutes, forcing extra time and eventually winning on penalties.

The Historic Match Timeline
| Time | Event | Scorer/Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1′ | Milan goal | Paolo Maldini |
| 39′ | Milan goal | Hernán Crespo |
| 44′ | Milan goal | Hernán Crespo |
| Half-time | Score: AC Milan 3-0 Liverpool | – |
| 54′ | Liverpool goal | Steven Gerrard |
| 56′ | Liverpool goal | Vladimír Šmicer |
| 60′ | Liverpool goal (pen) | Xabi Alonso |
| Full-time | 3-3 (AET) | – |
| Penalties | Liverpool win 3-2 | Dudek saves |
Legacy and Cultural Impact
After a turbulent 2004/05 season, Liverpool were already 3-0 down against AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. What followed is now regarded as the greatest comeback in soccer history. The victory not only secured Liverpool’s fifth European Cup but also cemented the match as one of sport’s greatest comebacks, inspiring countless documentaries, books, and retrospectives over the years.
Streaming Availability
Untold UK is a Netflix exclusive and will be available to watch in the UK and US from Tuesday, May 12. Netflix will broadcast Untold UK, with plans starting from £5.99/month. The Liverpool episode will be available globally on Netflix from May 19, 2026, allowing fans worldwide to relive or discover this incredible story.
Platform Availability
| Region | Platform | Subscription Required |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Netflix | Yes (from £5.99/month) |
| United States | Netflix | Yes (from $6.99/month) |
| Global | Netflix | Yes (varies by region) |
Why This Documentary Matters Now
For a generation of Liverpool fans who did not get the chance to watch it live, this will be essential viewing. The documentary arrives at a perfect time, with Liverpool currently competing for major honors under Arne Slot and a new generation of fans eager to understand the club’s rich European heritage.

The UNTOLD series has established itself as premium sports documentary content, with previous installments covering controversies and triumphs across various sports. This UK-focused trilogy represents Netflix’s commitment to football content, following successful series like Sunderland ‘Til I Die and the various All or Nothing documentaries.
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FAQs
When does UNTOLD UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul premiere?
The documentary premieres exclusively on Netflix on May 19, 2026.
Which Liverpool players are interviewed in the documentary?
Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, and manager Rafael Benítez are among those featured.
Is this part of a series?
Yes, it’s the second of three UNTOLD UK documentaries, with episodes on Jamie Vardy and Vinnie Jones also releasing.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch?
Yes, the documentary is exclusive to Netflix and requires an active subscription.
How long is the documentary?
While exact runtime hasn’t been confirmed, it’s described as a feature-length documentary.





