Top 10 Best Soccer Documentaries of All Time

Soccer as a sport has revolutionized how we view a sport and its importance. With billions tuning in to watch on a weekly basis, the sport has transcended the limitations of a traditional sport and by quite some margin. Be it by way of some of the best soccer documentaries, movies, or matches on television, it unites and binds communities together like a religion that people live and swear by. 

Over the years, we have seen the popularity of soccer grow exponentially and with it, some of the most renowned and well-paid athletes emerge in a number of media. Similarly, soccer itself has come to be viewed as more than just matches on television, with other shows, documentaries, and movies becoming a way of drawing people to the sport. 

That said, the best soccer documentaries or movies also give us a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes and things that the regular fan may not be aware of. It gives us a look at all that takes place behind closed doors and a more in-depth look into teams, players, and overall major themes in the world of soccer.   

Thus, in this one, we’ll be taking a look at the best soccer documentaries that fans both new and old can dive into and get a whole different perspective on the sport that billions dedicate their lives to. Whilst some of these may have been covered in our previous list, they are still worthy of a mention in this one as well. Without much further ado, let’s get started.

Best Soccer Documentaries of all time

For the most part, soccer as a sport has a massive market and as a result, numerous parties have gotten involved in it, with their own unique catalog. That said, numerous media streaming companies and OTT platforms have a number of offerings, including some of the best soccer documentaries. For our list today, we will be focusing on soccer documentaries available across all platforms, be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or others.   

Thus, if your favorite movie or soccer documentary does not make the list, rest assured that we will either be making a separate list for the same or have included it in our previous list. Lastly, these documentaries have been listed in no particular order as any of them could be the best soccer documentaries for viewers and are very dependent on personal taste and bias. 

That said, we definitely have some great picks in store for you today, and make sure that you won’t be left disappointed.

Also Read: Top 10 Best English Soccer Players Of All Time- Ranked

#10. Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)

Sir Alex Ferguson is without a doubt, the greatest soccer manager of all time and the best Manchester United manager of all time. That said, his 26 years at England’s and one of the world’s biggest soccer clubs were not always sunshine and rainbows. In fact, Ferguson had a lot of tumultuous situations to deal with during his time at the club, which saw him lift every honor imaginable and lead Manchester United to countless triumphs.

However, his life behind the scenes, which involved dealing with key personalities in and around the club, the entire Rock of Gibraltar ordeal, and other such stories, make for a very entertaining and informative watch. The soccer documentary, available on Amazon Prime, gives us a glimpse of Ferguson’s personal life, struggles, and overall legendary journey to becoming one of the best in the business. 

#9. Maradona in Mexico

Diego Maradona is one of the most iconic soccer figures of all time and is one of the best footballers of all time. However, as extraordinary as he was as a soccer player he was also an eccentric and charismatic personality that had a habit of delving into unhealthy habits and addictions throughout his career. Whilst all of these issues and the ‘darker side’ to the well-beloved soccer player have been covered in great detail in Amazon Prime’s ‘Diego Maradona’ (2019), we are focusing on his final years in the sport, as a coach for a team in Mexico.

As such, “Maradona in Mexico” focuses on the legendary player’s time at Dorados de Sinaloa, supposedly the worst team in Mexico’s second division. Whilst it was the most improbable appointment and led to one of the most unexpected storylines that one could imagine, it is still a journey that makes for one of the most inspiring and best soccer documentaries out there at the moment. With Maradona changing the fortunes of a team doomed to the depths of Mexican football, it makes for a magical presentation of inspiration and hope and a fitting farewell for the Argentine icon.

#8. Welcome to Wrexham (2022-present)

When Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney decided to invest in Welsh club, Wrexham A.F.C and turn their fortunes around, it had all the markings of a historical journey. With the club languishing at the bottom of English football, the fifth-tier National League prior to the takeover, it was a puzzling decision for the owners to try and put together a very unlikely rise to glory for the minnows. That said, the following seasons saw the club win back-to-back promotions and end up in the EFL League One, the third tier of English football. 

Aside from just the soccer aspect of the show, it also delves into issues like autism, bereavement, divorce, mental health, football hooliganism, cancer, stillbirth, disabilities, injuries, and more, which paint a very realistic picture of the unseen parts of the sport. Since its inception, the show has won eight Primetime Emmy Awards and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards and is set to air the fifth season in the spring of 2025. 

#7. Take Us Home: Leeds United (2020)

Leeds United remains one of the most significant clubs in England with a rich history in the Premier League. That said, the turn of the century hasn’t particularly been kind to them or the many loyal fans at Elland Road. With the club battling away in the Championship after being banished from the Premier League, it made for a difficult few years for The Peacocks. That said, the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa brought about a significant change at the club, with a play style and mentality that brought renewed hope. Whilst the series is a prequel to their Championship winning season, it is still one of the best soccer documentaries that brings about a true sense of what it means to be an underdog. 

Eventually, Leeds United did make their way back to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, after 15 long years out of it. Whilst their return was not the perfect homecoming many may have imagined, the club still managed to finish in the top 10 their very first season back in the top flight. As such, with their story coming to a somewhat good ending, it truly reels you in and makes you feel for a club halfway across the world. 

#6. All Or Nothing Series (2018-present)

Amazon Prime’s All Or Nothing is perhaps one of the easiest shoo-ins among the best soccer documentaries out there at the moment. With each season covering either an American football team or a soccer team in Serie A, or the Premier League, it easily makes for one of the most exciting watches, even if the series drops at the at the start of the new season. Thus, whilst it becomes like a recap of some of the highs and lows that the club went through, it also provides a lot of insight and background to the process and the decision-making that goes on behind closed doors. 

Particularly, the seasons covering Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus FC, and Arsenal FC make for the best watches and give the fans a better look at some of the best players in their respective leagues and some great personalities attached to the club. All in all, it is something to be enjoyed by all soccer fans in general and by those who support these clubs in particular.

#5. Beckham (2023)

Part of ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ in the 1990s, David Beckham is one of the most iconic soccer players of our generation, whose start from being discovered in the Manchester United academy by Sir Alex Ferguson, to going on to play for some of the biggest clubs in the world, whilst becoming a global fashion icon is a journey that is unparalleled. Beckham’s rise to global fame as a model, movie star, and more whilst playing for Real Madrid and being one of their most sought-after Galacticos, the Englishman has had a career most soccer players can only dream of.

Having captained England, his relationship with Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and his fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson remain some of the main highlights of the series and are well worth watching. With the entire journey put together by Academy Award-winning director Fisher Stevens (Palmer, And We Go Green, The Cove) along with Academy Award– and Emmy Award-winning producer John Battsek (One Day in September, Searching for Sugar Man, Winter on Fire), the Netflix series should be one of the first ones on your watchlist. 

#4. Rooney (2022)

From one Manchester United legend to another, Wayne Rooney’s story started when he broke through the ranks at Everton at the age of 16. Eventually, his move to Man United would yield him a lot of fame, and fortune and make him one of the most sought-after players in the entire world. That said, there is a lot more to the story as Rooney’s life off-the-field has been a subject of a lot of controversy, especially towards the latter end of his career. Not only that but as with many high-profile English athletes, there were a lot of things that one of the best English strikers of all time was vilified for by the media. 

All in all, the Amazon Prime documentary makes for a great watch and perfectly captures Wayne Rooney’s humble beginnings, and subsequent rise to the top before becoming one of the most accomplished and iconic athletes in the sport. Whilst many of the young fans today may not be familiar with the all-time Manchester United record goalscorer, this documentary should make for the perfect introduction. 

#3. Sunderland Til’ I Die (2018-present)

Coming back to the theme of underdog stories, Sunderland FC is a once-great Premier League side that has since been banished to the Championship, having a rough few years that have led to a lot of pain and struggle for the fans of the club and the players. By and large, the documentary brings to light the darker side of soccer, away from the glamorous stadiums and the big names, high-profile players, and the overall side of football that most fans know. 

 Moreover, it truly emphasizes what it means to be in hardship, and struggle, and the resilience of those who stay unwavering and faithful to the club till their last breath. Truly one for the fans whose roots in football stem from bonds formed with their local clubs and those that aren’t always in the headlines. Thus, ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ on Netflix is a love letter to those fans who continue to give their all to the minnows of the lower leagues, come what may.

#2. Football’s Most Dangerous Rivalry (2012)

By and large, the title of this one is pretty explanatory and refers to the intense and historic rivalry between Celtic FC and Rangers FC, two powerhouses of the Scottish Premiership that have gone toe-to-toe for more than a century. However, like most serious rivalries this one means more than just a game of soccer as their respective fanbases have since delved to spewing hatred on other fans and players, using racial slurs and inciting violence during and before games. 

VICE, as they have been known to cover a variety of social issues that have seeped into soccer as well. That said, the rivalry which has been ongoing since 1888, has seen Celtic and Rangers share the field on 444 occasions. Whilst tempers have since managed to be kept in check by the respective clubs, their rivalry and deep hatred for each other remain active as ever and probably will be for many many years to come. 

#1. Pelé (2021)

The King of Soccer himself, Pele has left behind a rich and vast legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Netflix’s 2021 documentary on the same covers the journey of a man of low station, hailing from the State of Minas Gerais and going on to become one of the greatest and most legendary players of all time, it is a tale worth telling and one that every soccer fan must watch at least once. To date, the only soccer player to win three World Cups, Pele has had a remarkable career and thus, remains a permanent fixture in the history books.

With his documentary on the big screen, fans can relive or come to know more about the Brazilian legend who dazzled and amazed audiences across the world during his prime and is fondly remembered for bringing about the ‘Joga Bonito’ spirit to the sport. While some may argue that it is the best soccer documentary of all time, it may be subjective for different viewers and how it resonates with them. 

Honorable Mentions 

Naturally, there are plenty of documentaries that we could not include in our list of the best soccer documentaries. That said, here are some of our honorable mentions that could well have made it into the list and will surely be well worth your while. 

Boca Juniors Confidential (Netflix, 2018)

Captains of the World (Netflix, 2023)

Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story (Hulu, 2023)

Matildas: The World At Our Feet (Disney+, 2023)

Football’s Coming Out (Channel 4, 2022)

Shame In The Game – Racism In Football (BBC iPlayer, 2020)

Women In Football – Why Was It Banned? (YouTube, 2019)

Footeuses (YouTube, 2020)

Also Read: Top 10 Best American Soccer Players Of All Time- Ranked