Goalhanger releases story of The Rest Is Football film
July 24, 2026
By Nik Roseveare
Goalhanger has released a new behind-the-scenes film on YouTube telling the story of The Rest Is Football, from Gary Lineker’s first meeting with Goalhanger co-founder Tony Pastor to the podcast’s move onto Netflix during the World Cup.
Featuring Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Cole and members of the wider Goalhanger team, the film goes behind the scenes at the show’s Times Square studio and reveals how the production was brought together in New York. It charts the development of the podcast, the relationship between its hosts and the creative process behind taking an established audio and video format onto one of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms.
Following a 40-day run of daily episodes filmed in New York during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Rest Is Football became one of Netflix’s hits of the summer. The series appeared in Netflix’s Daily Top 10 TV chart every day throughout its run, peaking at #1 in the UK.
The film also explores Goalhanger’s wider evolution from television production company to podcast network, and how the business has built direct relationships with audiences through its programming. Throughout the film, the presenters and production team discuss the importance of preserving the chemistry, freedom and unfiltered conversation that made the original podcast successful, while expanding it into a daily television production.
The release follows the conclusion of the World Cup series, with The Rest Is Football now set to continue on Netflix as part of a new two-year deal.
Pastor commented: “The Rest Is Football on Netflix came about because Netflix wanted to be part of the national conversation. During a major sporting tournament, there is a tendency for people to say, “Well, there’s so much football on that we can pause our Netflix viewing and come back in a month.” Netflix said, “No, we want to be part of that national conversation.”
Lineker said: “To do a show that’s been enjoyed so much without having the action is a testament to our team here. It’s a big team, whether it’s the crews here, the people from New York, everyone back home or the Netflix team. Everyone’s got on beautifully […] I don’t want to say it’s been a triumph, but I think it’s been a huge success. We’ve had lots of great feedback and a good time, and I don’t mind admitting it.”
Shearer said: “I’ve got to be really careful because I can say what I want and swear on the podcast. I mean, I’d get sacked if I did that on the BBC. I can say what I want on here, so I’ve got to find the right balance, you know.”
Richards added: “Never did I think I’d be working for Netflix. This is the first podcast in the UK to do it. It’s just sensational.”
The short film is available to watch now on YouTube.
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