David Beckham Netflix documentary series triggers spike in Premier League shots from long range
“I looked up and thought, ‘Why not?'” That’s what ran through David Beckham’s mind before lobbing Neil Sullivan from the halfway line in 1996 – but his new docuseries appears to have inspired more footballers to believe in long shots.
That goal against Wimbledon, arguably, helped launch his celebrity status. Shortly after, Beckham had secured sponsorship deals, modelling contracts and was dating ‘Posh’ at the height of the Spice Girls’ fame.
The first instalment of his blockbuster Netflix series Beckham was titled The Kick – referring to the iconic goal – and the episode appears to have made an instant impact on the league he last graced 20 years ago.
Only 1.6 per cent of shots were fired from beyond 30 yards in the Premier League this season on matchweek seven – before the series was released.
That ratio doubled to 3.2 per cent in the following matchday – just days after its release – and doubled again the following round to a staggering 6.4 per cent.
