1. Diego Maradona (2019)
Directed by Asif Kapadia, the mastermind behind Senna and Amy, this documentary is a masterclass in archival storytelling. Kapadia was granted access to over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage from Maradona’s personal archives. The film focuses primarily on his turbulent, transformative years at Napoli, where he evolved from a shy, talented boy from Villa Fiorito into a messianic figure in Southern Italy. It captures the dual nature of the man—the genius on the pitch and the self-destructive entity off it. By eschewing modern talking heads in favor of voice-over interviews and raw footage, the film creates an immersive experience that feels like a thriller. It is the definitive portrait of the greatest footballer to ever lace up boots, detailing his rise, his chemical demons, and his eventual fall from grace amidst the intense pressure of the Italian media and the Camorra.
2. The Two Escobars (2010)
Part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, The Two Escobars is perhaps the most gripping sports documentary ever made. It chronicles the parallel lives of Andrés Escobar, the principled captain of the Colombian national team, and Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug kingpin. The film masterfully weaves together the history of Colombian football’s “Golden Generation” with the country’s descent into narco-terrorism. It highlights how the football team was funded by drug money, creating an environment where success was expected and failure was lethal. The documentary culminates in the tragic murder of Andrés Escobar following his own goal in the 1994 World Cup. It is a haunting exploration of how sports can become a dangerous proxy for national identity, politics, and criminality, leaving the viewer to ponder the true cost of the beautiful game.
3. Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
This experimental documentary is a hypnotic, artistic endeavor that deviates entirely from traditional sports filmmaking. Directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, the film tracks Zinedine Zidane for the entirety of a single match against Villarreal in 2005. Using 17 cameras positioned around the Santiago Bernabéu, the directors capture every twitch, breath, and movement of the French maestro. There is no commentary, no tactical breakdown, and no interviews. Instead, the film is underscored by a brooding soundtrack from the post-rock band Mogwai. It turns a football match into a piece of performance art, highlighting the solitude of a superstar in a crowded stadium. It is a slow-burn study of grace, technical brilliance, and the quiet intensity of a player who existed on a different plane of consciousness than his peers.
4. Next Goal Wins (2014)
For those who want a break from the high-stakes pressure of the Champions League, Next Goal Wins offers a heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply human look at the “other” side of football. The documentary follows the American Samoa national team, once dubbed the worst team in FIFA rankings following a humiliating 31-0 defeat to Australia. The film tracks their quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup under the guidance of Dutch coach Thomas Rongen. It touches on themes of resilience, community, and the inclusion of Jaiyah Saelua, the first transgender player to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. It is a testament to the idea that football is not just about winning trophies; it is about pride, identity, and the joy of participation. It is an underdog story that reminds us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
5. All or Nothing: Manchester City (2018)
While many clubs have since participated in the “All or Nothing” series, the inaugural season featuring Manchester City remains the gold standard for behind-the-scenes access. Following Pep Guardiola’s historic 100-point Premier League season, the series provides unprecedented insight into the tactical genius of Guardiola and the high-pressure environment of a modern super-club. Watching the manager’s whiteboard sessions, his emotional speeches in the dressing room, and the candid interactions between players like Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany offers a fascinating look at the elite level of the sport. It bridges the gap between the fan in the stands and the internal machinery of a title-winning machine, stripping away the polished veneer of the media to show the sheer intensity required to stay at the top.
6. Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager (2018)
Sir Bobby Robson is one of football’s most beloved figures, and this documentary serves as an emotional tribute to his life and career. Featuring interviews with football royalty like José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Alan Shearer, the film traces Robson’s journey from a working-class lad in County Durham to managing giants like Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven. What makes this documentary stand out is its focus on character. Robson was a man of integrity, kindness, and unwavering passion. The film does not shy away from his battles with cancer, showing how he remained a gentleman even in his darkest hours. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in the human side of management and the legacy one person can leave behind in a sport that is often criticized for being cold and commercial.
7. Hillsborough (2016)
Produced by the BBC, Hillsborough is a devastating yet necessary documentary regarding the 1989 tragedy that claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans. This film is more than a football documentary; it is a profound legal and social study of a cover-up. It details the systemic failures of the police, the media’s cruel treatment of the victims, and the decades-long battle for justice led by the families of the deceased. By focusing on the personal stories of those who went to a match and never returned, the film ensures that the victims are remembered as human beings rather than statistics. It is an incredibly difficult watch, but it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and the resilience of a community fighting against institutional power.
8. Take the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018)
Based on Graham Hunter’s book Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World, this documentary focuses on the golden era of FC Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. It is a tactical masterclass, explaining the nuances of “tiki-taka” and the philosophy of Johan Cruyff that transformed the club. Through interviews with legends like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Thierry Henry, the film illustrates how a specific culture and tactical identity led to one of the most dominant periods in football history. It is essential viewing for tactical nerds who want to understand how Barcelona dismantled teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid with precise, rhythmic passing. It captures the beauty of football played at its absolute peak, showing the synergy required to achieve total dominance.
9. The Class of ’92 (2013)
This film follows the meteoric rise of six iconic Manchester United players: David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, and Gary Neville. It covers the period between 1992 and 1999, culminating in the historic Treble. Beyond the football, it explores the cultural shift in Britain during the 90s, the emergence of “Cool Britannia,” and how these young men navigated the transition from local academy prospects to global superstars. It is a nostalgic look at a bygone era of football where local identity still held weight before the total globalization of the sport. The camaraderie between the group is palpable, and the interviews provide a candid look at the intense pressure of playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at the biggest club in the world.
10. Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018)
If you want to understand the heartbeat of a football-obsessed city, Sunderland ‘Til I Die is the ultimate documentary. The series follows the club during a period of agonizing decline, documenting the immense weight of expectation from the local community. Unlike the glitz and glamour of Manchester City’s documentary, this series is raw, gritty, and occasionally heartbreaking. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between the fans and the club—when the team fails, the city suffers. It shows the brutal reality of football administration, the pressure on managers, and the unwavering loyalty of supporters who show up regardless of the division. It is a brilliant, unfiltered look at the lifeblood of English football, providing a stark contrast to the narratives of success that dominate the sport.
