Over the years, many people have attempted to shed light on the incredible journey of some of the most celebrated figures in the game of football. From their earliest beginnings to their greatest moments of glory. Others have tried to expose the dark side of the sport. Regardless, these documentaries offer an in-depth look at the lives and careers of some of soccer’s most iconic figures, as well as telling the outside world about the intricacies governing football.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or merely curious about its fascinating history, these documentaries are sure to offer a captivating glimpse into the world of soccer.
Here are the 10 Best Soccer Documentaries You Should See
1. Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In is a documentary film that captures the inspiring journey of the greatest football manager of all time. The film delves into the life of Sir Alex Ferguson as he recovers from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, which has left him acutely aware that his memory might desert him. In a bid to preserve his memories, he begins recounting the most important stories of his life, both in and out of football, to his son, Jason.
The film is an emotional rollercoaster that takes viewers on a journey through Sir Alex Ferguson’s life, featuring stories of his family, growing up, sporting triumphs, and failures. Sir Alex’s wife and sons also share their deeply moving insights, providing a unique glimpse into the personal life of one of the most successful managers football has ever seen.
The documentary also features interviews with former players who have played under Sir Alex’s guidance, providing a rare insight into his coaching philosophy and the impact he had on their careers. It’s a must-watch for any football fan who wants to understand the man behind the legend and the values that drove him to achieve greatness.
2. Ronaldo: The Phenomenon (2022)
Ronaldo: The Phenomenon is a captivating documentary that delves into the extraordinary career of former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima. The film highlights how he quickly became known as one of the deadliest strikers in world football, long before the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s remarkable career spanned 18 years and was characterized by incredible goal-scoring feats and outstanding performances on the pitch.
He helped lead Brazil to win the 2002 World Cup trophy with his impressive performances, and he played for some of the best clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, where he left an indelible mark. Although his career was plagued by injuries, Ronaldo’s status as one of the game’s greatest-ever players remains undisputed.
This documentary, available on the BBC website, explores Ronaldo’s story of redemption, chronicling both the highs and lows of his dramatic career. The film offers a fascinating insight into the South American star’s life, from his early years in Brazil to his rise to global fame on the world stage. It is a must-watch for any football fan who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the sport’s history and the unique talent of one of its most iconic players.
Read Also: 10 Soccer Movies You Must Watch If You Love Football
3. Welcome to Wrexham (2022)
This documentary tells the story of how two Hollywood stars, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, made headlines when they bought Wrexham AFC, the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest continually operating professional team in the world. Despite having little knowledge of football, the duo’s clear enthusiasm for sport in general, combined with their financial support and hope, offered the club a new lease of life.
Reynolds and McElhenney recognized that their fame could help put Wrexham on the map on a much larger scale, so they brought in big-name sponsors and turned the spotlight of social media on the team. As a result, the club’s profile has skyrocketed, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for Wrexham.
4. Messi (2023)
Messi is a documentary film that chronicles the fascinating story of Lionel Messi’s journey to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. The film takes us on a captivating ride through Messi’s formative years in Argentina, his move to Spain as a young teenager to join Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, and his meteoric rise to fame as a footballing icon.
The documentary also delves into the numerous challenges and setbacks that Messi faced along the way, including his heartbreaking losses in several Copa America finals and his brief retirement from international football. Additionally, the film sheds light on the circumstances surrounding Messi’s enforced departure from Barcelona, which left his legion of fans crestfallen.
Overall, Messi promises to be a gripping and insightful portrayal of one of the greatest athletes of our time and a must-watch for all football fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
5. Beckham (2023)
David Beckham is a name that rings a bell in every football fan’s mind. From a professional footballer to an entrepreneur, a fashion icon, and a family man, Beckham is a true inspiration to many. Despite being one of the most recognizable athletes and pop culture figures, few have had the chance to get to know the man behind the name. All that has changed with the release of Beckham, a four-part documentary series directed by Academy Award-winning director Fisher Stevens.
The documentary features interviews with family members, friends, and football figures who have been part of Beckham’s journey to stardom. These include his wife Victoria Beckham, his former manager at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, fellow footballers Diego Simeone, Luis Figo, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes, among many other notable personalities.
The documentary explores Beckham’s life beyond the field, delving into his early years, rising as a footballer, struggling with fame, family, and friends, and transitioning into an entrepreneur and fashion icon. It promises to reveal new details about his life, including his deadly free-kick accuracy that helped Manchester United become one of the best football teams on the planet. Overall, it’s an insightful and inspiring documentary that appeals to football fans and non-fans alike.
6. Neymar: The Perfect Chaos (2022)
Neymar: The Perfect Chaos is a 3-episode documentary series that offers a glimpse into the life of one of the most famous and highly paid athletes in the world, Neymar Jr. The series explores his journey from Santos to FC Barcelona and his tumultuous career with the Brazilian team and Paris Saint Germain. It also sheds light on controversies surrounding Neymar, including the marketing machinery led by his father, Neymar da Silva Santos.
The documentary features interviews with soccer legends such as David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Alves, and Thiago Silva, as well as athletes Gabriel Medina and Bruninho. They all share their thoughts on Neymar’s place in the history of soccer. Neymar: The Perfect Chaos is a must-watch for anyone who wants an in-depth look at one of the most fascinating athletes of our time, thanks to its insightful content and star-studded cast.
7. Football’s Most Dangerous Rivalry (2012)
Football’s Most Dangerous Rivalry is a captivating 45-minute documentary produced by VICE, a digital platform that explores the world’s most compelling stories. This documentary delves into the deep-rooted and intense rivalry between two of Scotland’s biggest football clubs, Rangers and Celtic.
The film provides a riveting and comprehensive insight into the history, culture, and passion that drive these two clubs and their fans to hate each other. From the religious and political tensions that fuel the rivalry to the on-pitch violence that has marred their games, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the fascinating and sometimes dark world of football fandom.
8. The Three Kings (2020)
The documentary titled The Three Kings delves into the fascinating lives of three legendary football managers: Jock Stein, Bill Shankly, and Matt Busby. These Scottish miners from nearby towns played a crucial role in shaping Glasgow, Liverpool, and Manchester. Their bond was forged in the coal mines and translated into a unique style of management.
These Scottish miners made a mark on football through their ambition, personal connections with fans, and love for their cities. They were cultural icons who embodied the spirit of their communities. The Three Kings documentary tells their inspiring story of humble beginnings in coal mines and remarkable careers in football management.
9. Sunderland Til I Die (2018)
The documentary Sunderland Til I Die is a production of Fulwell 73 and was released in 2018. This captivating documentary provides an excellent portrayal of the harsh realities of football by focusing on the north-eastern city of Sunderland. The documentary sheds light on the plight of Sunderland Football Club, which has been through turbulent times since its relegation from the Premier League in 2017.
The documentary provides a detailed account of the club’s struggles, the challenges they faced, and the impact it had on the community. The documentary offers a raw and honest depiction of the journey of a football club and the emotional impact it can have on its supporters.
10. Pele (2021)
Pele, the iconic football superstar, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He rose to fame in the late 1950s when he led Brazil to its first-ever World Cup triumph at the tender age of just 17. The young prodigy displayed an incredible talent on the field, which set him on a path to becoming one of the most successful and celebrated footballers of all time.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pele scored an astounding 1281 goals in 1363 games, a feat that secured his place as one of the game’s top scorers. He also won three World Cup titles with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970, cementing his status as a legend in the world of football.
For those looking to learn more about this giant of football or who want to relive some of the most memorable moments of his career, this documentary provides all the answers and delights you seek. It’s an excellent opportunity to understand the man behind the legend and his remarkable journey to becoming one of the most beloved figures in the world of football.
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