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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
Real Madrid enter the upcoming 2026/27 season under a familiar face, with José Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu dugout tasked with hauling Los Blancos back to the summit after back-to-back trophyless campaigns.
Florentino Pérez was re-elected as president and moved decisively in the market, wrapping up four senior signings before pre-season was even underway, making a statement to the rest of Europe.
A new spine, blending experience and Premier League pedigree, is beginning to take shape, and we could yet see more additions as reports continue to flood in the aftermath of a Spanish World Cup victory.
Granted, the Mourinho that holds the position now is an older, more experienced and potentially less fiery character than the one who oversaw an incredible rivalry with Pep Guardiola, Barcelona and Lionel Messi. Yet, this stands out as potentially a chance to reignite a spirit that many believe has dwindled.
Further business, both in and out, is expected before the September 1 deadline as he looks to prepare his squad for a trophy hunt, and it ensures that Madrid will be must-watch entertainment this year.
Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, GIVEMESPORT brings you every new signing and departure from Madrid.
New Real Madrid Signings 2026/27
Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Player
Nationality
Previous Club
Fee
Marc Cucurella
Spain
Chelsea
£52million
Bernardo Silva
Portugal
Manchester City
Free
Ibrahima Konaté
France
Liverpool
Free
Denzel Dumfries
Netherlands
Inter Milan
£17million
Arriving in defence are three additions, as Mourinho looks to build strong foundations at the back which has always been a key focus of his successful teams of years gone by. Left-back Marc Cucurella has joined from Chelsea in a £52million move, with the 28-year-old fresh off the World Cup victory, which helps to solve a long-standing problem position.
On the opposite flank, Denzel Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan as the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, offering an interesting addition to their backline which already has Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Defensive reinforcement continued, this time at centre-back with the free-transfer capture of Ibrahima Konaté, who left Liverpool at the expiry of his contract to give them pace, power and experience.
Following along the same trend, veteran Bernardo Silva arriving on a free after leaving Manchester City was a smart move. Silva, 31, can play across midfield and even wide on the right, and brings the experience of winning 16 trophies under Guardiola.
The second potential deal is even bigger. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has expressed his interest in joining the 15-time European Cup winners after seven years in Manchester.
Real Madrid Departures 2026/27
Player
Nationality
New Club
Fee
Dani Carvajal
Spain
N/A
Released
Fran Garcia
Spain
Real Betis
£3.4million
Mario Martin
Spain
Getafe
£3million
David Alaba
Austria
N/A
Released
Dani Ceballos
Spain
N/A
Released
The end of an era arrived with the exit of Dani Carvajal, the highly-decorated right-back who was a key cornerstone of the three-peat European achievement under Zinedine Zidane. Also departing is defender David Alaba after five seasons at the club.
Outside of that, Madrid oversaw two sales, with midfielder Mario Martín completing a permanent switch to Getafe for a reported £3million, whilst left-back Fran Garcia joined Real Betis in a move worth around £3.4million.
With high-profile incomings inflating the squad, there is now a question of potential outgoings across the board, most notably the potential of Vinícius Junior, who has been linked with Arsenal. However, a fee over £100million has been requested any deal would make him the club’s highest-paid player by some distance, which casts doubt over a move.
Matsima had been identified as the club’s top target, with personal terms already agreed between club and player, but a deal now will not be happening after a fresh development on Wednesday (29 July).
Palace Move for Matsima Collapses
Manon Cruz via Action Images/Reuters
According to Plettenberg, Crystal Palace had been close to a breakthrough on a transfer agreement for the 24-year-old a few days ago, but negotiations have not progressed.
It has now emerged that the final details of the deal, including payment structure and bonuses, could not be agreed between Palace and Augsburg, and Crystal Palace simply refused to compromise on their terms.
Arsenal are interested in signing Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, although the French club are reluctant to sanction the player’s departure this summer, according to L’Equipe.
Fernandez-Pardo enjoyed an excellent breakout season in 2025/26, netting eight goals and providing six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. This return has been enough to prompt interest from several top clubs across Europe, including the Gunners, Chelsea, Liverpool and Atlético Madrid.
However, despite the player recently sourcing a new agent to manage the next step in his career, Lille’s president has publicly revealed that he plans to remain staunch in his stance that the Belgian isn’t for sale.
However, sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly keen on also bringing a new centre-forward to the Emirates in this window. The potential acquisition wouldn’t necessarily be an immediate upgrade on either Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres, but would potentially succeed both players in a few years, as the pair of strikers come into their late 20s.
Junior Kroupi has been linked for this role, although the Bournemouth star may prove to be too expensive. Instead, L’Equipe report that Fernandez-Pardo is on Berta’s radar.
The Belgium international has established himself as Lille’s first-choice striker since Hamza Igamane suffered a serious knee injury during AFCON in January.
Igamane isn’t expected back before October, and thus, Lille aren’t keen on allowing a player they’re reliant on in Fernandez-Pardo to leave this summer.
The club’s president, Olivier Letang, has spoken to the youngster’s new agent and informed him that his client’s exit won’t be sanctioned.
“The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue,” Letang told L’Equipe.
“We are counting on him; he knows that, and we have been very clear with him. He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left. It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”
Fernandez-Pardo is regarded as one of the fastest players in Europe with his Belgian teammates claiming he has reached speeds of 39km/h in sprint tests, although the player himself claimed it was 38.5km/h.
Still, that is quicker that Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, who is the official recorded fastest Premier League player, hitting speeds of 37.38km/h.
Arsenal Must Focus on Left Winger Pursuit
If Arsenal have learned anything in recent seasons, it’s that they need to be three players deep in every position to deal with the inevitable spate of injuries they’re likely to sustain due to the congested fixture schedule.
For this reason, adding another striker option to complement Havertz and Gyokeres seems reasonable. However, left wing ought to be their priority.
The Gunners are strong across the board, but there is an obvious void of quality on the left-hand side of their attack. They need to ensure they find a top-tier talent to fill this void, and this may mean they cannot allocate resources to the centre-forward position.
Ultimately, if needed, they can keep Gabriel Jesus, or they can use Mikel Merino as the third-choice striker, with the Spaniard proving that he’s up to the task in this position.
