Onside: MLS - A Deep Dive into the Apple TV+ Docuseries

Major League Soccer has always been a league in transition—an evolving entity trying to carve out its unique space in the global football landscape. Apple TV’s Onside: MLS attempts to capture that essence, diving deep into a league that has defied expectations, from its origins as a struggling enterprise to a growing powerhouse featuring some of the biggest names in world football. The docuseries, helmed by Paul Martin, brings unprecedented access to MLS, showing not only the glitz of Lionel Messi’s arrival but also the resilience of players fighting for their place in a league that refuses to be predictable.

Martin, who previously directed a documentary on Cristiano Ronaldo, was drawn to the project not because of Messi but because of MLS as a whole. “I think there was just a huge opportunity here to be able to give access to a league and not just one club, not just one player,” Martin said. “That was kind of unique in the world of soccer—I don’t think you could do it with the Premier League or La Liga.”

While Messi’s presence may have given the series a greater spotlight, Onside is not simply the Messi show. Instead, it focuses on the highs and lows of an entire league. From Atlanta United’s unexpected late-season push to LA Galaxy’s emotional championship run, the docuseries takes its audience into locker rooms, boardrooms, and training sessions, painting a full picture of MLS’s competitive ecosystem.

The Emotional Heartbeat: Malachi Jones' Story

One of the most compelling narratives woven into Onside is that of Malachi Jones, the young NYCFC player whose journey to professional soccer is nothing short of remarkable. Drafted unexpectedly by New York, Jones was at the height of his excitement when injury struck, forcing him into a difficult period of rehabilitation. Yet, his perspective on life, shaped by his upbringing, has given him the resilience to push forward.

“I think the process is very much up and down,” Jones shared in an interview with The Sporting Tribune's Chandrima Chatterjee. “The injury kind of came about in a time where I feel like my career was on the rise. But my life experiences—growing up in an orphanage for three years, living in a third-world country for nine—prepared me for this. It’s not been easy, but the joys of being in this league are unmatched.”

Jones’ story, which Onside captures with depth and authenticity, highlights one of MLS’s greatest strengths: its ability to change lives. Born in Sierra Leone, Jones faced early adversity after losing his father in a boating accident. His mother, unable to care for her eight children, placed them in an orphanage before they were eventually adopted by an American family. His journey to professional soccer was never guaranteed, but his persistence and faith paved the way.

“The opportunity to play football for the first time was a gift,” he said. “And with a gift, you don’t just take it—you work to be the best at it.”

Jones has also connected with Sierra Leonean MLS journeyman Kei Kamara, who has been a mentor from afar. “Kei was someone everyone back home rooted for,” Jones said. “To get the opportunity to connect with him has been surreal. It feels like a full-circle moment.”

As Onside illustrates, Jones’ journey is about more than soccer—it’s about resilience, faith, and seizing opportunities. And now, as he prepares for his comeback, he hopes to inspire the next generation. “It feels like pressure, but I’ve been the same Malachi my whole life. My goal is to live in a way that honors God and inspires others to embrace their own journeys.”

The Creative Vision: Paul Martin on Building the Story

In speaking about the creative direction of the series, Paul Martin highlighted that Onside was never meant to be just a highlight reel of the league’s biggest stars—it was about pulling back the curtain on an entire soccer ecosystem. “We weren’t going to make a show just about Messi,” Martin said. “He’s a huge draw, sure, but what makes MLS special is the depth of its competition and the stories that haven’t been told yet.”

Martin reflected on the challenges of structuring the documentary: “Unlike in a European league where you follow the same few clubs every year, MLS gives you surprises. No one expected Atlanta to knock out Miami in the playoffs, or LA Galaxy to go all the way after struggling midseason. That’s what makes this league so unique.”

He also emphasized how important it was to showcase players from all walks of life. “Take Malachi Jones, for example. His story is extraordinary, and yet he’s just one of many in MLS who have had to fight to get here. His resilience, his faith, and his drive to succeed make him a perfect embodiment of what this league is about.”

The Growth of MLS Through Documentary Storytelling

In an era where sports storytelling is reaching new heights, Onside finds itself in conversation with Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham—two cultural phenomena that have reshaped how audiences engage with soccer narratives. While Ted Lasso brings a feel-good, comedic approach and Wrexham focuses on the romanticism of lower-league football, Onside is carving its niche by giving MLS the cinematic treatment it has long deserved.

Paul Martin sees this as a golden age for sports documentaries. “I think we’re seeing a shift where sports storytelling isn’t just about stats and highlights anymore—it’s about human stories. And MLS is full of them,” he said. “There’s a side of soccer that hasn’t been seen on screen before, and this was an opportunity to showcase that.”

Unlike European leagues, where traditions are entrenched and narratives are often dominated by a handful of superclubs, MLS thrives on unpredictability. The docuseries embraces this, showcasing a league where youth prospects can emerge overnight, where established stars can struggle, and where the playoff system ensures no script is ever set in stone.

One of the show’s biggest surprises was Atlanta United’s run to the playoffs, capped by their stunning elimination of Messi’s Inter Miami. “As producers, we were actually relieved Miami didn’t win it all,” Martin admitted. “It showed the league’s depth. If Miami had walked over everyone, it might have sent the message that MLS was just about one team, one player. But instead, it reinforced that MLS is incredibly competitive.”

The Future of MLS Through Onside

As MLS continues to grow, Onside serves as both a celebration and a snapshot of where the league currently stands. With international stars, young phenoms, and stories of resilience like Malachi Jones’, the league is positioned for an even brighter future.

For Jones, the road ahead is still uncertain, but his mindset remains unchanged. “I don’t know what exactly the next season looks like, but I’m excited to discover it. And hopefully, you’ll be tracking it too.”

MLS is still evolving, still finding its place on the world stage. But if Onside proves anything, it’s that the league isn’t just about soccer—it’s about people, dreams, and the never-ending pursuit of something greater.

And in that sense, MLS is right where it should be: on the rise, against all odds.