For Gatorade’s Next Level series with the UEFA Champions League, Whisper TV commissioned Icon International’s Nick Bolger to direct a series of films featuring Spanish football legend Fernando Torres.
The films saw Torres step into the role of coach, breaking down some of the techniques that made him one of the most dangerous strikers of his generation. Drawing on moments from his own career, he demonstrated how movement, body positioning and close control can be used to turn defenders, create space and open up opportunities in front of goal.
Shot in a relaxed masterclass format, the challenge was to combine genuine football instruction with the pace and personality of short-form branded content. Torres demonstrates each technique on the pitch, explaining not simply what to do, but the small details and decision-making behind it.
The films formed part of Gatorade’s wider Next Level content around the UEFA Champions League, using the experience of an elite player to give younger footballers practical insights they could take into their own game.
Directed by Nick Bolger for Whisper TV, the project continued Icon’s long-standing involvement in football storytelling, this time with our role focused entirely on direction.