Black Stars of LALIGA returns with a powerful new edition

In honor of Black History Month, the new episode will be available in the U.S. on ESPN Deportes on February 25 at 8:00 PM ET and February 27 at 9:00 PM ET in addition on ESPN’s YouTube page.

The first edition of Black Stars of LALIGA brought to life the powerful journeys of players like Iñaki and Nico Williams, Yunus Musah, and Alexander Isak, highlighting the sacrifices their families made in pursuit of a better life in Europe. The documentary, produced in collaboration with Black Arrow & Andscape, provided an intimate look at the personal and professional challenges these athletes overcame to reach the highest levels of soccer.

Following the success of the first installment—which won the prestigious Hashtag Sports Award for Excellence in Black Storytelling—this second edition spotlights the powerful stories of two women representing Atletico de Madrid and their journey through the Spanish soccer ecosystem.

Black Stars of LALIGA II features compelling narratives from three outstanding soccer players:

• Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético de Madrid Femenino & Nigeria National Team) – A role model both on and off the field, Ajibade actively fights against racism in sports and beyond.
• Ludmila Silva (Atlético de Madrid Femenino & Brazil National Team) – A vocal advocate against racism, Ludmila shares her personal experiences and insights on discrimination in stadiums across Spain.
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC & Nigeria National Team) – A rising star known for his skillful dribbling and offensive prowess, Ejuke brings a unique perspective on racial challenges in football.

Building on the foundation of the first edition, this episode aims to spark meaningful discussions about racism in soccer, presenting firsthand accounts from players who have faced discrimination and exploring solutions to eliminate it from the game.

Adrián Segovia, Head of Content & Distribution at LALIGA North America, emphasized the importance of this project:

“Black Stars of LALIGA is more than just a documentary—it’s a commitment to amplifying the voices of Black athletes and fostering change. By expanding this edition to include women’s football, we continue to honor the resilience and contributions of Black players who have shaped LALIGA’s history. We hope this inspires action within the sport and beyond.”

This production was created in collaboration with 5ASIDE Media, the leading media company focusing on black and African diasporic stories in the United States with key directorial involvement from Creative Director Sebastian Caillat.