A split second is all that separates a thrilling goal from a dramatic save. But what if a soccer goalkeeper could stop time?
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, Netflix has released a new animated documentary about legendary Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martínez.
Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time premiered on May 21 and chronicles the journey of Argentina’s star goalie known as “Dibu,” from young boy dreaming of World Cup glory to global superstar who helped restore soccer glory to his country.
Through original illustrations by Argentinian cartoonist and graphic novelist Liniers, archival footage, and interviews with Martínez’s inner circle, Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time blends fiction and documentary storytelling into something entirely its own.
Widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the world, Martínez etched his name into history at the FIFA World Cup 2022, when he saved Argentina from heartbreak in the final against France.
With less than a minute left in extra time and the score tied 3-3, Martínez made a dramatic save to force a penalty shootout, and ultimately led Argentina to victory and their first FIFA World Cup trophy in nearly 40 years.
His performance in the tournament earned Martínez the Golden Glove Award and the 2022 Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper honors.
Martínez is currently preparing to defend Argentina’s title at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
When he is protecting the goal for Argentina or Premier League powerhouse Aston Villa F.C., it often seems as if Martínez can stop time. However, the film features a fictional story of Martínez as a child, discovering that he, in fact, has that magical ability. While stopping time, he can argue with a talking soccer ball, which reminds him of all the challenges he has ahead, building his inner strength in the process.
Miguel Ángel “Pepé” Santoro
In addition to Martínez’s childhood friends and family members, Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time features interviews with Argentine soccer legends, including Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni, and Miguel Ángel “Pepé” Santoro.
The release of Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time follows the recent launches of James. and Ronaldinho: The One and Only, highlighting the lives and careers of the Colombian and Brazilian soccer legends.
The critically acclaimed sports documentary series Untold expanded its borders to highlight the world of English soccer through the stories of unlikely Premier League legend Jamie Vardy, Liverpool’s miraculous 2005 Champions League–winning team, and controversial professional player-turned-actor Vinnie Jones.
Additional soccer content on Netflix includes Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team, which documents the squad’s effort to win the 2023 title; the Emmy-nominated Beckham; Captains of the World; a José Mourinho episode of The Playbook; and Vini Jr.
Netflix will exclusively broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States and Canada for the 2027 and 2031 tournaments.
