There are plenty of amazing documentaries about the beautiful game for those who want to learn more about their favourite team, the effort that goes into making the best players and the stories behind some of the biggest names in the sport. From one-off specials to multi-season series, discover some of the best football documentaries available today and where you can watch them.
All or Nothing Series (2018 - Present)
One of the most popular football documentaries of recent years is the Amazon Prime series All or Nothing. Each season focuses on a different club, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham so far getting the treatment.
All or Nothing has looked at clubs beyond the football world, but Man City was the first Premier League team to be filmed, tracking their progress through the record-breaking 2017-18 season.
Each season also benefits from top-class narration. For example, the Man City doc was narrated by the legendary Sir Ben Kingsley (a Mancunian), Tottenham’s was narrated by Hollywood star Tom Hardy, and Arsenal’s documentary was narrated by Academy Award Winner Daniel Kaluuya.
If you support any of these clubs or just enjoy a good football documentary, this series is worth watching.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Phenomenon: Ronaldo (2022)
Brazilian legend Ronaldo is one of the biggest icons the game has ever seen. Possessing frightening talent, star quality, and a glittering CV, the original Ronaldo was the face of football at one point and the favourite player of fans around the world.
The 2022 documentary, The Phenomenon, is named after Ronaldo himself and charts his career, including the devastating injuries he experienced, World Cup heartache, and his road to redemption to reclaim his spot as one of the game’s greatest players.
Featuring exclusive interviews with Ronaldo and his family, as well as fellow legend Roberto Carlos, viewers can get a glimpse into the man and discover what really happened in the Brazil hotel room before the 1998 World Cup Final.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Diego Maradona (2019)
Diego Maradona is not only one of the greatest players ever to play the game but one of the most fascinating (and controversial) figures in all of sports.
As such, Maradona is a perfect focus for a football documentary, and this 2019 movie has been hailed for illuminating the iconic player with great clarity and depth.
Focusing on the period of his career when he transferred from Barcelona to Napoli in 1984, this excellent football documentary features never before seen footage from Maradona’s personal archive.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Class of ‘92 (2013)
The Class of ‘92 is one of the best football documentaries in recent memory, telling the story of Manchester United’s legendary ‘class of ‘92’.
The documentary tracks the rise of six future Manchester United superstars, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. Taking place between Manchester United's FA Youth Cup win in 1992 to their Champions League triumph in 1999, the doc captures an important time in both the club’s history and Britain as a whole.
Fans who were there for this golden age of Man Utd’s success will enjoy the memories, but all football fans will find something to savour thanks to full access to the six players and interviews with the likes of Zidane and Eric Cantona. If you enjoy the doc, there’s also a follow-up series called Out of Their League.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)
Manchester United fans have been treated to some great documentaries about a very special time in their club’s history, and one of the best is undoubtedly 2021’s Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In.
Sir Alex is one of the game’s greatest managers and most colourful personalities, returning Man Utd to the top of the footballing world and making a few enemies in the process.
However, the documentary doesn’t merely track his managerial career, as it starts with his playing career and includes captivating interviews with the man himself. The doc even helped end a feud between Ferguson and Gordon Strachan.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Lionesses: How Football Came Home (2022)
As with all great sporting moments, there’s a top documentary to go along with it, and this is what is provided with Lionesses: How Football Came Home.
In one of the most celebrated moments in English sporting history, England’s woman’s team finally brought football home when they won the European Cup in 2022.
This feel-good story captured the nation’s imagination and has been documented expertly here. Featuring great insights and behind-the-scenes access to the squad throughout their cup-winning run, this England football documentary is a great way to relive that amazing summer of sporting history.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Purchase from Amazon Prime Video
Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018)
Sometimes, a documentary needs a longer format to truly capture its subject, and this is just what is on offer with the multi-season series Sunderland ‘Til I Die.
Documenting the events around Sunderland Football Club, the series starts after their relegation to the Championship in 2017. The second series sees them after relegation to League One, and a future third season is expected to chart their promotion back to the Championship.
Perhaps the best football documentary on Netflix, it provides a fascinating look at Sunderland’s ups and downs, struggles with financial ruin, new owners, and also a great focus on the supporters themselves.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Netflix
Welcome to Wrexham (2022 - Present)
In a story that the movie industry couldn’t dream up itself, the historic, non-league Welsh club of Wrexham was purchased by two Hollywood actors, leading to a monumental transformation for both the club and town.
Welcome to Wrexham is a documentary series that charts the progress of one of the most famous stories in football today. The doc has made Wrexham’s story known around the world and not only charts the on-field success under new owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but also how the pair have sought to bring about positive change to the local Wrexham community.
It’s a fantastic story, and there is a second season in the works if you want to continue charting the fortunes of one of the game’s oldest clubs under their glamorous new management.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Disney+
Gazza (2022)
Paul Gascoigne has been the subject of endless media coverage, documentaries, and books, but this goes to show how much interest the public has in one of football’s most iconic characters.
Gazza charts the legendary player from his peak amid “Gazzamania” to his struggles with alcoholism and mental health. Utilising archival footage, it’s a comprehensive look at the man and has been praised for transcending the sport itself.
Gascoigne’s story isn’t the most cheerful one, but if you are looking for a documentary about one of England’s most talented former players, this is a perfect choice.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager (2018)
Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager has been described as one of the best sports documentaries in general, let alone in football.
This celebrated film looks at the former England manager Bobby Robson, who is also thought to be one of the greatest club managers in history. It’s a fascinating watch, featuring absorbing interviews with the likes of Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, Gary Lineker, and Pep Guardiola.
There is also brilliant archival footage from across his career when he managed the likes of Barcelona, Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, and England.
More info: IMDB
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The best football documentaries to watch
- All or Nothing Series (2018 - Present)
- The Phenomenon: Ronaldo (2022)
- Diego Maradona (2019)
- The Class of ‘92 (2013)
- Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)
- Lionesses: How Football Came Home (2022)
- Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018)
- Welcome to Wrexham (2022 - Present)
- Gazza (2022)
- Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager (2018)
We hope you have picked out one or two football documentaries from our list to enjoy.
Whether you are a player wanting to study a footballing legend or a coach looking for tips from some of the best managers in the world, there are some fantastic documentaries available.
To help take your game to the next level, it’s also important to make sure you have the best football training equipment. Please browse our website for the likes of rebound football nets or for whatever else you might need.
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