Streaming platform Rakuten TV is set to launch Bojan Krkić, Beyond The Smile, a documentary that details the career of the Catalan striker and highlights all the difficulties experienced by one of FC Barcelona’s greatest talents.
The documentary, which focuses on the mental health of the footballer from Linyola during his career, begins with a conversation between Bojan Krkić and Doctor Monseny, the psychoanalyst who treated him during his most difficult moments at FC Barcelona. The visit to the doctor’s office acts as a guiding thread throughout the plot.
Starting with Bojan Krkić’s career in the youth categories of FC Barcelona and his debut in the first team, a period in which he stands out as the top scorer in the history of La Masia, the documentary outlines his difficult start in a dressing room full of stars and complicated moments. Despite the mental struggles and anxiety attacks, Bojan’s exceptional performance on the field, scoring 12 goals in his first season, saw him sharing the front line with Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho or Samuel Eto’o.
The programme deals in detail with the controversy surrounding Bojan’s decision not to join the Spanish national team for Euro 2008, as a result of his prioritising his mental health. This career-defining moment is examined in depth, using the testimony of his mother. Contrary to the official version, which claimed gastroenteritis, the real reason is revealed, unleashing a media controversy.
Bojan’s second stage at FC Barcelona is explored, coinciding with the arrival of Pep Guardiola to the first team, marking Bojan’s loss of prominence in the team. After a crucial moment in the Champions League finals in Rome and Wembley, where he barely played a minute, Bojan opted to leave the club of his life, FC Barcelona. A painful process, his decision allows him to explore new horizons and regain his sense of importance in teams such as Stoke City, Roma, Ajax, AC Milan, Mainz, Alaves, Montreal and Vissel Kobe.
Subsequently, Bojan returned to Barcelona, to Camp Nou, to retire and perform his farewell act. This experience transformed him into a much wiser and mature Bojan, looking to the future with hope and determination.
Bojan Krkić, Beyond the Smile will be available for free on Rakuten TV from 3 November. This documentary will be exclusive to Rakuten TV and available in 42 European countries as part of the Rakuten Originals collection.
