Netflix Releases Highly Anticipated Documentary on Supercross Legend Joel Robert Titled “THE UNDERDOG”, Set to Premiere on June 25
June 10, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA —
Netflix has officially announced the release date for one of its most anticipated sports documentaries of the year. Titled “THE UNDERDOG”, the documentary tells the raw and emotional story of motocross legend Joel Robert, one of the most iconic and misunderstood athletes in the history of motorsports. The film will be released globally on June 25, and fans across generations are already bracing for an unforgettable ride.
Known for his fearless style, unmatched agility, and unfiltered personality, Joel Robert was more than a motocross champion—he was a cultural disruptor. Revered by European fans and eventually respected around the globe, Robert won six FIM 250cc Motocross World Championships during the 1960s and early 1970s, setting records that stood for decades. However, “THE UNDERDOG” explores much more than his racing triumphs. It reveals a life marked by determination, rebellion, and personal sacrifice.
From the Dirt Tracks of Belgium to Global Stardom
The documentary begins in the quiet town of Châtelet, Belgium, where a young Joel Robert first climbed on a dirt bike. He wasn’t born into privilege or high-end training facilities. Instead, he taught himself by racing through muddy countryside trails and pushing his limits without fear. At just 20 years old, he won his first world championship title in 1964, shocking the motocross world with his audacious style and natural talent.
“Joel didn’t ride the bike,” said Eli Tomac in an interview featured in the documentary. “He became the bike. His flow, his timing—it was like poetry in motion. But it was rough, gritty poetry. That’s what made it beautiful.”
Throughout the film, audiences are taken on an emotional journey from Robert’s early victories to his complex relationships with sponsors, team managers, and rival racers. Archival footage shows him battling against riders from Sweden, the United States, and the U.K., often with nothing but sheer talent and a fiery spirit to back him.
A Rebellious Champion in a Structured World
“THE UNDERDOG” pulls no punches in documenting Robert’s clashes with the establishment. He often refused to conform to the expectations of sponsors or racing federations, a trait that cost him both money and political favor. Despite his brilliance on the track, Robert struggled to secure consistent backing from major brands, a reality that highlights the film’s central theme—being overlooked, despite undeniable greatness.
Director Luca Moretti, known for his work on “Born to Ride” and “The Last Lap”, said the goal was to paint a full, honest picture of the motocross legend.
“Joel’s story is not just about racing,” Moretti explained. “It’s about staying true to yourself in a world that constantly tries to mold you into something else. He wasn’t polished. He wasn’t always easy to work with. But he was real—and that made him unforgettable.”
Legacy, Loss, and Lasting Impact
The second half of the documentary explores the toll that fame, injury, and illness took on Robert later in life. After retiring from racing, he remained active in the motocross community, coaching young riders and advocating for the sport’s growth in Europe. Tragically, his health declined in the 2010s, culminating in his passing in 2021. Yet even in his final years, Robert continued to inspire riders around the world.
In one emotional segment, modern Supercross star Ken Roczen reflects on how Robert influenced 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. That’s what I try to do too.”
Family members and close friends offer rare glimpses into Robert’s private life, sharing stories of his humor, loyalty, and relentless drive—even when he was no longer in the headlines.
A Must-Watch for Motocross Fans and Sports Lovers Alike
With stunning visuals, never-before-seen race footage, and a poignant original score, “THE UNDERDOG” is shaping up to be a landmark entry in Netflix’s growing library of sports documentaries. It joins the ranks of previous fan favorites like “The Last Dance”, “Formula 1: Drive to Survive”, and “Break Point”, but with a more intimate, grassroots focus.
Motocross fans are already buzzing with anticipation on social media. Hashtags like #TheUnderdogNetflix and #JoelRobertLegend are trending as viewers gear up to relive the highs and heartbreaks of one of the sport’s most compelling figures.
Whether you’re a lifelong rider or new to the world of dirt bikes, “THE UNDERDOG” offers a moving reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in money or fame—but in grit, passion, and the courage to race against the odds.
“THE UNDERDOG” premieres worldwide on Netflix on June 25, 2025.
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