There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best soccer documentaries. However, after much consideration, here are 21 of the best ones available.
Regardless of what soccer teams a person follow on a regular basis, these 20 documentaries are well worth watching. They tell interesting stories in interesting ways, keeping the viewer engaged from beginning to end.
So, without further ado, here are 20 of the best soccer documentaries out there:
1. Zidane: A 21st-Century Portrait
The story of Zidane is not yet done, but still, this documentary is the best documentary about soccer ever released. Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait is a 2006 film directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno that follows the French footballer Zinédine Zidane over the course of one game. The filmmakers used 17 cameras to capture Zidane’s every movement during an April 2005 match between Real Madrid and Villarreal CF.
2. The Two Escobars
This documentary tells the story of two Colombians, Andrés Escobar and Pablo Escobar, whose lives were forever changed by the drug trade. Andrés was a famed soccer player who was shot to death after scoring their own goal at the 1994 World Cup. His death was rumored to be a result of his brother’s involvement in the drug trade. Pablo was a notorious drug lord who was killed in 1993. The documentary explores the links between the two men and how their stories are intertwined.
If you are in a binge-watching mood, check out also 25 best movies about soccer that were ever made.
3. The Referees
There is no doubt that referees are often the scapegoats for bad calls and losses. However, referee Martin Hansson’s journey to the 2010 FIFA World Cup offers a fascinating and different look at the role of referees in the game of soccer. In one of the biggest games of his career, Hansson found himself in the spotlight after making the call on the infamous Thierry Henry handball. This documentary offers an interesting and unique perspective on one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history.
4. Becoming Zlatan
Looking at the life of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is definitely fascinating. He came from a difficult background, but he made something of himself. He is now one of the most successful soccer players in the world. This documentary on Netflix takes a look at his early days, and how he became the superstar he is today. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in his story.
5. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona was one of the most brilliant soccer players ever to grace the field. But with that brilliance came some dark aspects of his life that were often hidden from the public.
This brilliant documentary from HBO sheds light on all aspects of Maradona’s life – the good, the bad, and everything in between. If you’re a fan of Diego or just want to learn more about one of the greatest soccer players of all time, then this is a must-watch documentary.
6. Istanbul United
The three biggest soccer clubs in Istanbul have quite a bitter rivalry. It has gone on for years, but it has really been at the forefront in recent years. With political unrest in Turkey, it does not seem to be getting any better.
This documentary looks at all of the highs and lows of being a fan of all three teams. It is an interesting view for people who might not know much about just how passionate Turkish soccer fans are about their favorite club teams.
What makes the rivalry between these clubs so intense? Why do fans care so much about their team? Watch this documentary to find out!
7. Once In A Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos
This 2006 documentary tells the story of the New York Cosmos, a soccer team that was founded in 1971. The team featured some of the biggest names in the sport, including Pelé, Carlos Alberto, and Giorgio Chinaglia. The team’s success helped to fuel the popularity of soccer in the United States.
8. Hillsborough
This 2016 documentary tells the story of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans were killed in a crash at an FA Cup semi-final game. The film features interviews with survivors and families of the victims, as well as footage of the game and the aftermath of the disaster.
9. Pelada
This 2010 documentary follows two American soccer players, Luke Boughen and Gwendolyn Oxenham, as they travel the world to play in pickup games. The film highlights the game’s beauty and its ability to bring people together from all walks of life.
10. Sunderland ‘Til I Die
This 2018 documentary series follows the English soccer team Sunderland A.F.C. as they navigate their way through a difficult season in the second tier of English football. The series provides an intimate look at the lives of the team players, coaches, and fans.
11. I Believe In Miracles
This 2015 documentary tells the story of the Nottingham Forest soccer team, who went from near-relegation to winning the European Cup in just two years. The film features interviews with players and managers and footage of the games and celebrations.
12. George Best: All By Himself
This 2016 documentary tells the story of George Best, a Belfast-born soccer player who is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. The film features interviews with Best’s friends and family and footage of his greatest moments on the pitch.
13. Once in a Blue Moon
This 2005 documentary follows the Chicago Fire soccer team as they try to win the MLS Cup, which they had never won before. The film features interviews with players and coaches and footage of the games and celebrations.
14. Next Goal Wins
This 2014 documentary tells the story of the American Samoa national soccer team trying to qualify for its first-ever World Cup. The film features interviews with players and coaches and footage of the games and celebrations.
15. Spirit of the Game
This 2016 documentary tells the story of the first Australian rules football team to play in England, the Footscray Tech School Old Boys. The film features interviews with players and coaches and footage of the games and celebrations.
16. Messi
This 2014 documentary tells the story of Lionel Messi, an Argentine soccer player widely considered one of the world’s best players. The film features interviews with Messi’s friends and family and footage of his greatest moments on the pitch.
17. All or Nothing: Manchester City
This 2018 documentary series follows the Manchester City soccer team during the 2017-2018 season. The series provides an intimate look at the lives of the team players, coaches, and staff.
18. Benfica: Eusebio – The Black Panther
This 2014 documentary tells the story of Eusebio, a Portuguese soccer player who is considered one of the greatest players of all time. The film features interviews with Eusebio’s friends and family and footage of his greatest moments on the pitch.
19. Ronaldo
This 2015 documentary tells the story of Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese soccer player widely considered one of the best players in the world. The film features interviews with Ronaldo’s friends and family and footage of his greatest moments on the pitch.
20. Take The Ball, Pass The Ball
This 2018 documentary tells the story of FC Barcelona, one of the most successful soccer teams in history. The film features interviews with players and coaches and footage of the team’s greatest moments on the pitch.
