Football has inspired countless unforgettable stories on the pitch, but some of the game’s greatest moments are better described off it. From behind-the-scenes access at the world’s biggest clubs to emotional accounts of legendary players and historic triumphs, football documentaries offer fans a unique perspective that goes far beyond the final whistle.

Whether you’re reliving iconic seasons, discovering untold stories or gaining an insight into the personalities who shaped the sport, there’s no shortage of compelling films and series to choose from. With so many options to choose from, separating the must-watch from the mildly intriguing can be difficult.

To help narrow it down, we’ve ranked the 10 best football documentaries using IMDb’s popularity ratings, highlighting the highest-rated productions that every football fan should add to their watchlist.

10

The Final: Attack on Wembley (2024)

With England reaching their first major final since 1966, thousands of fans stormed the Wembley turnstiles in the hopes of finding a spot to watch their nation face Italy in the UEFA Euro 2020 final. Aggressive behavior from disgruntled fans saw many troublemakers arrested, with thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage, and injuries to police officers, stewards and legitimate ticket holders.

The documentary follows the accounts of those who caused the chaos, the stewards and officials tasked with dealing with the situation, and the innocent, legitimate fans who got caught in the middle.

9

Messi (2014)

Reuters/Brett Davis

This 2014 biographical documentary details the life of one of the greatest football players to have ever graced the pitch: Lionel Messi. From his developmental days in his hometown of Rosario, to the bright lights and glamour that comes with playing for FC Barcelona, the film documents the Argentinian’s rise to the very top of footballing history.

Testimonies from football icons, teammates and childhood friends, including Johan Cruyff, Gerard Piqué and Andrés Iniesta, delve deep into Messi’s story, and what it is that makes him so exceptional.

8

Captains of the World (2023)

A docuseries which follows the events of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ‘Captains of the World’ details the highs and lows of a World Cup campaign. The series provides never-before-seen footage from inside the changing rooms, training pitches and team hotels for all 32 competing nations.

First-hand interviews with global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, the show provides an insider look as to what it is like to perform at the sports biggest tournament.

7

Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)

Action Images / Alex Morton via REUTERS

This 91-minute film details Zinedine Zidane‘s every move during Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal on 23rd April 2025. With 17 synchronized cameras dotted around the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the film tracks his every move, expression and breath, both on and off the ball.

True to Zidane’s ill-tempered career, the film ends abruptly after the Frenchman was shown a red card for his involvement in a brawl with Villarreal’s Enrique Sanjuan.

6

Untold UK: Vinnie Jones (2026)

One of football’s original hardmen, ‘Untold UK: Vinnie Jones’ features his rise from working-class construction worker to a professional midfielder for Wimbledon FC. The film details how his violent nature and extreme volatility on the pitch almost got him permanently banned from English football.

The film also highlights his contributions to the notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ that shocked the world by beating Liverpool in the final of the 1988 FA Cup, whilst touching on his aggressive playing style and record-setting number of red cards.

5

Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend (2024)

This four-part docuseries follows Messi’s rise through international football, whilst also documenting the performances of the Argentina national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Once again, the show offers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the national side’s training camps and changing rooms.

Narrated by the man himself, Messi reflects on career struggles, his brief international retirement and the monumental success that was his nation’s triumph in 2022, with interviews from teammates such as Rodrigo De Paul and Emi Martinez.

4

Pele (2021)

Reuters: Action Images / Carl Recine Livepic

Known as one of the greatest players of all time, this biographical film focuses heavily on a specific, intense 12-year period from 1958-1970. It charts his rise from a 17-year-old prodigy to the absolute pinnacle of his global fame after claiming his historic third World Cup win.

The documentary also features a deeply emotional, rare sit-down interview with Pele later in his life, offering a final reflection on his glittering career before his passing in December 2022.

3

Norway: The Dark Horse (2026)

Reuters/Vincent Carchietta

‘Norway: The Dark Horse’ is a two-part docuseries which follows the Norwegian national team as they look to qualify for their first major tournament in 26 years. The first episode captures the growing pressure on the head coach, Ståle Solbakken, with Norway’s last appearance at a major tournament coming at Euro 2000.

The documentary also notes the golden generation, with world-class talent such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, accompanied by the likes of Alexander Sørloth and Oscar Bobb.

2

Beckham (2023)

This four-part biographical series looks not just at David Beckham‘s footballing career, but also his global cultural impact. From his working-class roots in East London and early romance with Victoria Adams to the infamous 1999 Manchester United treble and his later moves overseas, this series captures his entire life.

It features raw, honest interviews with both himself and his wife Victoria, and includes star-studded interviews with Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Neville and Ronaldo Nazário, among others.

1

Welcome to Wrexham (2022)

Perhaps the most well-known football documentaries thanks to their Hollywood owners, ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is a multi-season series. After Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the world’s third oldest professional football club in Wrexham, with the dream of overseeing their journey up the English leagues.

After getting promoted out of the National League for the first time in 14 years during the 2021-22 campaign, the series provides exclusive footage from inside the club as they experienced a further two promotions in the following three seasons.

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has reacted after shock news emerged on Monday afternoon that Chelsea were exploring a move for Brighton & Hove Albion star, Danny Welbeck.

Ever since BlueCo took charge of Chelsea in 2022, the Blues have adopted a strict policy of signing young players in the hope that they can increase their value and sell them off for a profit. Very few players have been signed over the age of 25.

While the policy has worked from a financial point of view, it has not helped them on the pitch. Partly due to a lack of experience, Chelsea finished 10th in the 2025/26 season, missing out on European football altogether. Many fans of the club have grown frustrated with their transfer activity and believe it is holding the club back.

Following their struggles last season and following the appointment of Xabi Alonso, it appears they have changed their transfer policy. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Chelsea are interested in signing Welbeck this summer.

It is said that Welbeck appeals to Alonso as a player and a leader, and that there is optimism from both sides that a deal can be struck.

Welbeck, now 35 years old, has been in fine scoring form in recent years. He recorded his best season in front of goal in 2025/26 as he scored 13 times in 37 Premier League matches.

Rio Ferdinand Reacts to Chelsea’s Interest in Danny Welbeck

Man United have shown interest in Welbeck in the past few years. In the 2024 summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag reportedly explored a move to bring him back to Old Trafford.

Ferdinand is desperate for United to rekindle their interest and launch a move for their academy graduate. Taking to social media, the Man Utd legend wrote:

Welbeck, who has been capped 42 times by England, joined Man Utd at the age of 8. He progressed through their academy and made his debut for the first team in 2008. He played 142 times for the club, scoring 29 times and helping the club to six trophies, before departing for Arsenal in 2014.

United are currently fairly light in the striker position. Benjamin Sesko, who signed for the club in a £73.7m move last summer, is currently their first-choice. Joshua Zirkzee serves as his backup, while Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha can also play centrally if needed.

Welbeck Isn’t Only Veteran Chelsea Are Interested In

REUTERS/David Klein

Welbeck isn’t the only player over the age of 30 that Chelsea are interested in signing. They explored a move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka earlier in the summer, but the Black Cats refused to let their star man leave.

After missing out on Xhaka, Chelsea appear to have turned their attention to signing Jordan Henderson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano wrote on X on Monday evening: “Chelsea lead race to sign Jordan Henderson as new midfielder, another surprise for #CFC.

“Henderson can leave Brentford on a free transfer and Chelsea are ahead in race with two more clubs for England international. Former Liverpool midfielder, open to the move.”

They were also interested in signing John Stones on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City, but it appears he is on the verge of joining Inter Milan.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been beaten to another 2026 World Cup award, FIFA have confirmed.

Messi and Mbappe were the frontrunners to win the coveted World Cup Golden Ball award but eventually lost out to Rodri after Spain beat Argentina in the final on July 19.

Now the Argentina and France superstars have lost out in the battle for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Goal of the Tournament award.

Messi scored several stunning goals during the tournament. The 39-year-old’s exquisite touch and first-time finish against Cape Verde was magnificent, as was his instinctive strike against Egypt that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar.

Mbappe, who claimed the World Cup Golden Boot award after scoring 10 goals during the tournament, also wowed the crowds in North America with several moments of individual brilliance. Both players are among the contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

​​​​​​​FIFA Reveal 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

However, the Goal of the Tournament award has been handed to Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose sensational strike in Cape Verde’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina claims the prize.

FIFA confirmed via their website: “Sidny Lopes Cabral’s stunner for Cabo Verde against Argentina in the Round of 32 has been voted the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Cabral said: “The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go’. I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well.

“When I looked up and saw it heading for that top corner, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my team-mates – everyone was screaming, hands on their heads, overjoyed.

The 23-year-old full-back, who has completed a move from Benfica to Trabzonspor, added: “Before the game, I’d told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I’d run over to them. When I got there, I saw my mom crying; she hadn’t even realised I was right there. Everyone was busy tending to her because she had fainted when I scored!

“After the game, I got a message from [Real Madrid and Brazil legend] Marcelo. He’s one of my biggest idols. I always admired him. He’s a left-back, plays with both feet, and had great technique.

“He told me he voted for my goal as the best of the tournament! I replied, ‘Thank you so much! I don’t know how to thank you. I’m so excited and honoured that you saw me play.’ And he said, ‘It was a pleasure watching you play; you’re really good.’ I was just like, ‘My word!’ I couldn’t believe it when I got his message.”