Football documentaries have become a captivating way for fans to get an inside look at the world of the sport. These films delve into the stories behind the scoreline, offering unique perspectives on legendary players, remarkable teams, and the challenges football faces both on and off the field. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 18 best football documentaries available for you to watch right now. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for some compelling sports content, these documentaries have something for everyone.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021):
If you’re a fan of Premier League football, Sir Alex Ferguson needs no introduction. This documentary, available on Amazon Prime, takes you on a journey through the legendary manager’s personal life and his extraordinary 26-year career at Manchester United. Explore the insights and stories that have never been shared before.
2. LFG (2021):
“LFG” is a powerful documentary that delves into the legal battle fought by the U.S. women’s soccer team for equal pay. Featuring renowned players like Megan Rapinoe and Jessica McDonald, this film sheds light on the team’s fight for equality despite their impressive track record in international competitions. Watch it on NowTV.
3. Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story (2023):
Mixing true crime and football, this documentary tells the infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ story that gripped British football fans. Coleen Rooney’s ingenious trap to reveal the alleged perpetrator, Rebekah Vardy, makes for compelling drama. Catch it on Hulu.
4. Diego Maradona (2019):
Diego Maradona is a captivating documentary that uses footage from over 500 hours of personal archives to provide an intimate look at the football legend’s life. This critically acclaimed film is available on Amazon Prime and offers a unique perspective on Maradona’s story.
5. Footeuses (2020):
“Footeuses” sheds light on the world of women’s football in France after the 2019 Women’s World Cup. The documentary explores the challenges and prejudices faced by female football players in pursuit of their dreams. Watch it on Yard’s YouTube channel.
6. Welcome to Wrexham (2022-present):
This heartwarming documentary follows the journey of two Hollywood stars who purchased a small Welsh football club, Wrexham FC. Discover the twists and turns in their efforts to revamp the club on and off the pitch. Available on Hulu, it’s a story of hope, passion, and comedy.
7. Take Us Home: Leeds United (2020):
“Take Us Home” serves as a prequel to Leeds United’s title-winning season in 2019/20. The documentary captures Marcelo Bielsa’s remarkable journey in guiding the team back to the Premier League after a 15-year absence. Available on Amazon Prime, it’s a tale of revival and determination.
8. Matildas: The World At Our Feet (2023):
This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Australian women’s national football team as they prepare for the 2023 World Cup. Featuring stars like Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, it showcases the pressures, ambitions, and challenges faced by players. Watch it on Disney+.
9. Women’s Football In India (2018):
Discover the story of women’s football in India through this heartwarming documentary by Deutsche Welle. It follows three women in North Goa who defy societal barriers to pursue their love for the sport. Available on DW’s YouTube channel, it’s a testament to the global reach of football.
10. All Or Nothing Series (2018-present):
The “All Or Nothing” series provides unparalleled access to top football clubs worldwide. With episodes featuring Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, and the Brazil national team, this series offers an inside look at the dressing rooms and club dealings. Available on Amazon Prime, it’s a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
11. Beckham (2023):
“Beckham” takes you behind the scenes of David Beckham’s illustrious career. From his infamous boot incident with Sir Alex Ferguson to his relationship with Victoria Beckham, this Netflix series provides unprecedented insights into the football icon’s life.
12. Bob Marley Legacy – Rhythm Of The Game (2020):
“Rhythm Of The Game” is part of a series of films on the Bob Marley YouTube channel dedicated to the Reggae star’s love for football. It showcases the joy football can bring and is a treat for both music and sports lovers.
13. Shame In The Game – Racism In Football (2020):
Explore the reasons behind the adoption of “taking the knee” in the Premier League with this BBC documentary. It exposes incidents of racism against fans and players in both men’s and women’s football, shedding light on the issue that has gained prominence in recent years.
14. Rooney (2022):
“Rooney” offers an inside look at Wayne Rooney’s career, including his time with Manchester United. Available on Amazon Prime, this documentary provides a comprehensive and candid account of his tumultuous journey in football.
15. Football’s Coming Out (2022):
“Football’s Coming Out” investigates the challenges faced by gay male footballers in the highest levels of English football. This Channel 4 documentary features past and present players, offering a revealing exploration of why players hesitate to come out.
16. Sunderland Til’ I Die (2018-present):
“Sunderland Til’ I Die” is a documentary series that provides an honest and behind-the-scenes look at the trials and tribulations of Sunderland AFC. It offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of a football club and the emotions that run deep among fans.
17. Women In Football – Why Was It Banned? (2019):
This documentary explores the history of women’s football and why it was banned by the Football Association over 100 years ago. Discover the archaic views that once prevented generations of women from playing the sport. Available on talkSPORT’s YouTube channel.
18. Football’s Most Dangerous Rivalry (2012):
“Football’s Most Dangerous Rivalry” by VICE delves into the intense rivalry between Scottish football clubs Rangers and Celtic. It uncovers the darker aspects of football, including violence and racial slurs, providing a gripping narrative of this fierce rivalry.
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Conclusion
These 18 Best Football Documentaries offer a diverse range of stories, from the legends of the game to the challenges faced by players and the issues plaguing football. Whether you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes drama or the cultural impact of the sport, there’s a documentary for every football fan to enjoy. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and start streaming these captivating tales from the world of football.
