Miguel Herrán to Star as Legendary Boxer Poli Díaz in Netflix’s The Vallecas Colt (El Potro de Vallecas)

by Talha · October 4, 2025

The Vallecas Colt netflix new documentry series — Credit : Netflix

Key Takeaways

Miguel Herrán transforms into real-life boxing legend Poli Díaz.
The film explores fame, downfall, and resilience.
A powerful 2025 Netflix biopic directed by Daniel Calparsoro.

Netflix is bringing the remarkable rise and fall of Spanish boxing icon Poli Díaz to the screen — with Money Heist and Elite star Miguel Herrán stepping into the ring as the legendary fighter in a powerful new biographical drama titled The Vallecas Colt (original title: El Potro de Vallecas).

A Gritty Biopic About Spain’s Most Iconic Fighter

The Vallecas Colt tells the true story of Poli Díaz, a real-life boxing champion from Vallecas, Madrid, who rose from the streets to become one of Spain’s most celebrated athletes in the 1980s and early 1990s. Nicknamed El Potro (“The Colt”) for his explosive energy and relentless fighting style, Díaz became a national hero — before his career was derailed by personal struggles, controversy, and excess.

The Netflix film will chart Díaz’s meteoric rise, his legendary matches, and the harsh realities of fame, addiction, and downfall, offering an unflinching look at the price of success in the brutal world of professional boxing.

Miguel Herrán Steps Into the Spotlight

Spanish actor Miguel Herrán, best known globally for his role as Río in Netflix’s Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) and Christian in Elite, takes on one of the most challenging roles of his career as Poli Díaz.

Herrán has spoken about the physical and emotional preparation needed for the part, including intense boxing training and a deep dive into Díaz’s turbulent personal history. The project marks a major departure from his previous roles and is expected to cement him as one of Spain’s most versatile actors.

Directed by Daniel Calparsoro

The film is directed by acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Daniel Calparsoro, known for his gritty, action-driven storytelling in projects like To Steal from a Thief (Cien años de perdón) and Sky High (Hasta el cielo). With Calparsoro at the helm, The Vallecas Colt promises to be a raw, cinematic portrayal of resilience, ambition, and self-destruction.

Filming is already underway in Madrid and Segovia, capturing the authentic atmosphere of Díaz’s early life and career.

Why The Vallecas Colt Matters

Beyond being a boxing biopic, The Vallecas Colt explores universal human themes:

The relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds
The heavy cost of fame and success
The complex battle between personal demons and public legacy

It’s not just a story about a fighter — it’s about a man who embodied Spain’s working-class spirit, became a symbol of national pride, and faced the consequences of his own choices.

Release Date and What to Expect

While Netflix has not yet announced an official release date, The Vallecas Colt is expected to premiere sometime in 2025. Given Herrán’s global fanbase and the popularity of sports dramas on Netflix, the film is already one of the platform’s most anticipated Spanish-language originals of the year.

Expect a gritty, emotional journey packed with powerful performances, intense boxing sequences, and an unforgettable portrayal of one of Spain’s most complicated sports legends.

Final Thoughts

With The Vallecas Colt, Netflix continues its push into powerful, character-driven European originals. The combination of Miguel Herrán’s star power, Daniel Calparsoro’s direction, and a gripping true story ensures this film will appeal to both boxing fans and anyone who loves stories of triumph, tragedy, and redemption.

Whether you’re a fan of Money Heist, a follower of real-life sports legends, or simply looking for your next must-watch biopic, The Vallecas Colt deserves a spot on your radar in 2025.