Discover the top 10 football documentaries that every fan must watch. From legends to underdog tales, explore football like never before.
Top 10 Football Documentaries Every Fan Needs to Watch Right Now
In the world of football, there’s more than just what happens on the pitch. Behind every goal, every roar from the stands, and every tear shed in defeat, there’s a story. And some of the best ways to experience those stories are through football documentaries. These films and series dive deep into the emotions, politics, personalities, and drama that make the beautiful game truly beautiful.
Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a curious newcomer, this curated list of the top 10 football documentaries will take you beyond the ninety minutes and into the very soul of the sport.
🎬 1. The Last Dance (2020) – Netflix
Wait—basketball? Technically, yes. But The Last Dance makes this list because of its incredible storytelling, character focus, and high emotional stakes—all elements great football documentaries share. It’s a blueprint for how clubs and players could be documented in football. It inspired similar content across sports, including many football-focused series.
Why Watch: Learn how narrative structure and behind-the-scenes access can elevate any sport into global drama.
⚽ 2. All or Nothing: Manchester City / Arsenal / Juventus – Amazon Prime
Amazon’s All or Nothing series has covered several major football clubs, providing unprecedented access to players, managers, and dressing room dynamics. The series is not just about tactics or trophies, but the human element of football.
Highlights:
- Pep Guardiola’s intensity at Man City
- Mikel Arteta’s leadership evolution at Arsenal
- Juventus’ internal struggles during a season of transition
Why Watch: These series show how modern football operates from the inside out—tactics, transfer drama, and raw emotion.
🇦🇷 3. Diego Maradona (2019) – Directed by Asif Kapadia
This cinematic masterpiece from the director of Senna and Amy explores the rise and fall of one of football’s most controversial icons. Set during Maradona’s time at Napoli, it reveals the blurred lines between genius and madness, hero and villain.
Why Watch: It’s a deep, emotional character study of a flawed but beloved football god.
🎥 4. Take the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018) – Barcelona’s Golden Era
Based on the book Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World, this film captures the brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side, including Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. It’s a must-watch for fans of tactical football and team-building philosophy.
Why Watch: A tactical masterclass told through behind-the-scenes interviews and matchday drama.
🇧🇷 5. Pelé (2021) – Netflix
More than just a footballer, Pelé is a symbol of national pride and global greatness. This documentary blends sports history with social and political commentary, showing how Pelé became more than just the king of football.
Why Watch: Understand how one man helped shape both football and Brazil’s international identity.
🧠 6. Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018–2020) – Netflix
Raw. Gritty. Heartbreaking. This series focuses not on footballing giants but on a working-class club struggling to reclaim its pride. It’s about fans, community, and how deeply a football club is intertwined with the identity of its city.
Why Watch: A true underdog story, filled with passion, heartbreak, and resilience.
🎭 7. The Two Escobars (2010) – ESPN 30 for 30
This gripping documentary connects the worlds of football and drug cartels in Colombia through the stories of Andrés Escobar (the footballer) and Pablo Escobar (the drug lord). It’s a dark but crucial reminder of how football intersects with broader social realities.
Why Watch: Eye-opening, emotional, and brilliantly told—perfect for fans of football and history.
🏆 8. Becoming Champions (2018) – Netflix
Each episode of this series profiles a different World Cup-winning nation and explores how they reached the pinnacle of football. It includes interviews with players, coaches, and journalists, providing unique insight into the cultures behind the triumphs.
Why Watch: A great international journey through football success stories.
🌍 9. This Is Football (2019) – Amazon Prime
This six-part documentary series examines how football touches lives around the world—from Rwanda to India, from refugee camps to Champions League finals. Each episode focuses on a different theme like hope, redemption, and love.
Why Watch: An emotional, global perspective on how football unites people across borders and backgrounds.
🎞️ 10. Class of ‘92 (2013) – Man United’s Golden Generation
Follow the story of six young men—David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, and Phil Neville—as they rise from academy hopefuls to treble-winning legends. This is not just a football story, but a tale of friendship, fame, and transformation.
Why Watch: A nostalgic look at one of the greatest youth intakes in football history.
📺 Honorable Mentions
- Messi (2014) – The journey of the GOAT from Rosario to Barcelona
- Ronaldo (2015) – A glimpse into the lifestyle and mindset of Cristiano Ronaldo
- The Figo Affair (2022) – A tense tale of betrayal and transfer politics
- Barça Dreams (2015) – The complete evolution of Barcelona FC
📣 Why These Documentaries Matter to Football Fans
Football documentaries don’t just inform—they inspire. They allow fans to:
- See behind the curtains of elite clubs
- Understand tactical evolution and team dynamics
- Witness the personal challenges of their heroes
- Connect emotionally to stories of triumph, loss, and redemption
With platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ investing in sports content, football storytelling has never been more accessible or powerful.
🙌 Support the Stories, Support the Game, Support Football
If you truly love the beautiful game, make time to watch these documentaries. They offer more than highlights—they offer heart. And by engaging with football content beyond the pitch, we strengthen the connection between fans and the game we all love.
Watch, share, and celebrate these stories. Support Aw8. ⚽
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