Soccer has always drawn spectators from all around the world, bringing people together via their love of rivalry and success. Players must rely on their team’s tactics, formation, and camaraderie in addition to each player’s skill when they hit the field. As a result, narratives that explore the sport frequently highlight its human elements, such as tenacity, grit, resolve, cooperation, and the satisfaction of winning a game against all odds.
The lives of soccer fans, players, managers, and owners all make for compelling stories that are brimming with passion and feeling. The stories of the beautiful game and what makes it so unique for its millions of fans worldwide are explored in the following movies. Thus, without further ado, the top soccer films on Netflix are listed below.
It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football (2024)
The issue surrounding the uninvited kiss on the lips of national team striker Jenni Hermoso by then-Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales is clarified in Joanna Pardos’ Spanish documentary “It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football.” After Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, Rubiales gave her a kiss as she picked up her medal. Interviews with Hermoso and other team members, such as Ivana Andrés, Teresa Abelleira, Olga Carmona, and Laia Codina, discuss how the action and its aftermath completely upended the greatest night in Spanish football. They describe the media hysteria that ensued after the kiss, which was broadcast live to millions of viewers throughout the globe.
Although this is the primary topic, the 94-minute movie also discusses the team’s pre-2023 problems, which are highlighted by the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) poor administration, according to Arsenal defender Laia Codina. It also highlights the 15 players known as the “Las 15,” who in September 2022 expressed concerns about their emotional and physical well-being. You can view the documentary here if you want to learn more about the fire’s spread and effects.
Penalty Kick (2018)
“Penalty Kick,” directed by Rodrigo Triana, tells the fanciful story of Mariano Cárdenas, a soccer superfan who must decide between his unrestrained love for the Mexico national team and his own family. Mariano, a married man, must decide whether to support his team through their most difficult endeavor to date or attend his loved one’s burial after his uncle dies before Mexico and the USA play their final qualification match at the 2018 World Cup.
The ridiculous sports comedy, which was originally called “La pena máxima” in Spanish, is a remake of the Colombian film of the same name, which was based on the short story “Un día de fútbol.” It depicts the fervent devotion of soccer fans and the extent to which some people can become devoted to their favorite teams. Mariano’s passion for his national team drives him to make the most outrageous choices, even if he might lose everything in the end. You can watch the film online here to see the plot, which contains a sliver of reality despite its primarily sarcastic tone.
Mi Amigo Alexis (2019)
“Mi Amigo Alexis” tells the tale of a bond formed by a shared passion for a game. The Chilean film, which was directed by Alejandro Fernández Almendras, centers on a young soccer-talented youngster named Tito Rojas. After watching the Chilean national team train, Tito’s life takes a drastic turn when he meets his hero, former Chilean soccer player Alexis Sánchez, who plays as him. The narrative focuses on Tito and Alexis’s journey as they support one another through their challenges. Their improbable bond deepens their appreciation of life in general and soccer in particular. You may watch the endearing story here.
Holy Goalie (2018)
In “Holy Goalie,” originally called “Que baje Dios y lo vea,” a financially troubled monastery is about to close and be converted into a hotel. Upon the arrival of a new monk, he persuades his other priests that founding a soccer club and participating in the Champions Clerum tournament in Vatican City is the only viable solution. This is a problem, though, because the squad has to learn how to play the game first.
With plenty of slapstick jokes to keep the audience interested, “Holy Goalie,” directed by Curro Velázquez, adopts a lighter tone when discussing soccer. At its core, though, it is an investigation of miracles, one of the most enduring yet intangible aspects of any sport. You can see the movie here if you want to laugh out loud and support underdogs who are defying the odds.
All the Freckles in the World (2019)
José Miguel, a 13-year-old boy, moves to Mexico City and develops feelings for a girl called Cristina in the Mexican coming-of-age drama “All the Freckles in the World.” José forms a soccer team and competes in a tournament against her present lover, Kenji Matarazzo, in an effort to win her love. But when Kenji confronts him prior to the contest, the conflict intensifies even further. Yibrán Asuad’s original title, “Todas las pecas del Mundo,” demonstrates how soccer can be more than just a game played on the field; it can also decide concerns of the heart. Watch the film here to find out who ultimately wins Cristina’s heart.
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)
The Bollywood sports drama “Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal” chronicles the hardships of Southall Football Club, a South Asian soccer team in England that faces closure. The team’s feisty coach, Tony Singh, tries to inspire his men to overcome their obstacles as they endure defeats on and off the field. Fortunately, the club may have a chance thanks to the skills of its star player, Sunny Bhasin, but not before facing a number of challenges.
As the South Asian team and its players deal with social and racial hostility from their peers, the Vivek Agnihotri-directed movie explores the ethics of the sport. It explores themes of fortitude, tenacity, and resilience as well as an underdog tale about overcoming adversity. Despite its emphasis on athletic achievement, the film also explores cultural identity and the challenges experienced by immigrant athletes worldwide. You can view it here.
The Champion (2024)
Diego, a fiery player for Atletico Madrid, is the focus of the Spanish sports drama “The Champion,” also known as “El campeón” in Spanish. Diego gets benched by his club’s top management to train with recluse psychologist Álex to control his temper following a brief confrontation on the field. After a hard beginning, the two gradually learn to support one another through their difficulties.
“The Champion,” which was directed by Carlos Therón, explores the murky world of angry players and shady agents who want to further their own agenda. As Diego turns into a pawn under the control of others, the film examines a another aspect of soccer that is entangled with branding and publicity. In the end, his friendship with Álex turns out to be the sole solution to his issues—but only if he is prepared to be vulnerable. You may see the movie online here.
Dream (2023)
In “Dream,” soccer player Yoon Hong-dae is placed on disciplinary probation, which compel him to accept a unique position as a national team coach. The team is made up of homeless individuals, each of whom has their own peculiarities and personality traits but little aptitude for soccer. Despite his initial reluctance, Hong-dae enthusiastically accepts the challenge and quickly begins to enjoy his new position as their coach. He begins training his team to compete in the International Homeless World Cup, which is approaching.
The Lee Byeong-heon-directed film, which was originally called “Deurim,” tells a heartwarming tale of accepting one’s shortcomings and finding solace in life’s little pleasures. Although Yoon Hong-dae’s soccer career may be at a standstill, his work as a coach gives him a new purpose in life that centers on assisting those who are less fortunate than him and feeds his mental reserves. You can see the thrilling sports drama, which is based on actual events from the 2010 Homeless World Cup, here.
The Match (2020)
The Italian drama “The Match,” originally called “La Partita,” uses an amateur soccer match as a metaphor for life in general. People on both sides have personal stakes in the story, which is set over the course of one day. The film, which was directed by Francesco Carnesecchi, explores the hardships of athletes, coaches, presidents, and supporters who stake their personal goals on the outcome of the game. The game transforms from a 90-minute workout on the field to a test of everyone’s aspirations, suffering, successes, and failures as it gains momentum. This is where you may enjoy the heated affair.
Ultras (2020)
Sandro, a soccer enthusiast who heads a gang of ultras known as the Apaches, is the focus of the Italian drama “Ultras.” Sandro, who has devoted the most of his life to aggression and forceful team support, is at a turning point in his life as loneliness and the effects of aging begin to catch up with him. He begins removing himself from his terrible way of life and teaching a young admirer who looks up to him, named Angelo.
The Netflix movie, which was directed by Francesco Lettieri, explores the negative aspects of soccer fandom and how it can drastically alter people’s life into an unhealthy fixation. Even people who do not follow soccer in their free time will find its themes of identity, expression, and salvation fascinating, despite the fact that it is centered around the game. Watch it here if you are one of them.
Forever (2023)
Mila and Kia, two teenage best friends, want to play professional soccer in the Swedish coming-of-age drama “Forever.” But when Lollo, their new coach, starts making expectations of them, their relationship begins to suffer because their desire to improve as players gets in the way of a strong bond. The challenging concerns that many professional athletes must confront at some time in their careers are posed by the Anders Hazelius film: What happens when your obsession becomes a burden in your personal life? For the sake of their friendship, Mila and Kia must both respond to it. This sports drama revolves around their maturing maturity, where juggling adolescence and goals is essential to their next stage of life. “Forever” is available to view here.
Inside Story (2011)
The protagonist of “Inside Story” is Kalu, a talented Kenyan soccer player whose career goals are derailed after he receives an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Kalu gains experience navigating not only his personal struggles but also teamwork after joining a South African club. The film, which was directed by Rolie Nikiwe, teaches viewers about the dangers of the HIV/AIDS virus and the duty that people have to protect both their own and other people’s health. It combines its instructional components with a main narrative about lofty aspirations and how soccer inspires individuals from all backgrounds to aim high. You may see the movie online here.
Untold: Hope Solo vs U.S. Soccer (2024)
“Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S.” is the DVD. Soccer explores the lives and hardships of Hope Solo, a former member of the women’s soccer team who fought the federation on issues ranging from fair pay to gender inequity. Known for being an outspoken athlete, Solo finds herself in a difficult position after leaving the game and discussing her version of events in the Nina Meredith film. The film follows her career from her ascent as a superb goalie to her later decline and the scandals that followed. It offers a nuanced portrait of a professional soccer player whose tale highlights the game’s dangers as well as its magnificent triumphs. Here, you may explore Solo’s turbulent life both on and off the field.
The Final: Attack on Wembley (2024)
The true story of the Euro 2020 final, in which 6,000 soccer fans without tickets rushed into Wembley Stadium to witness the match between Italy and England, is chronicled in “The Final: Attack on Wembley.” The ensuing chaos they caused was widely reported in the media, and the soccer community was furious over the fans’ lack of self-control.
The documentary, which was directed by Robert Miller and Kwabena Oppong, shows the wild events of the evening as racism, drugs, and drink were more contentious issues than England’s eventual defeat to Italy during the game. You can watch the film here if you’re interested in learning more about a significant off-field soccer match where thousands of spectators entered a stadium without tickets.
The Beautiful Game (2024)
The British sports drama “The Beautiful Game,” which was directed by Thea Sharrock, chronicles the adventures of Mal, the manager of England’s homeless soccer team, who brings his men to Rome to compete in the Homeless World Cup. Mal places his hopes of winning the tournament on the shoulders of Vinny, the team’s talented striker, despite the difficulties in managing him. Before he can assist the team, Vinny must overcome his own personal obstacles. The inspiring tale of underdogs, which is all about second chances in life, is presented in the Netflix film. The motivational tale is available to view here.
Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (2021)
The Italian biographical sports drama “Baggio: The Divine Ponytail,” which was originally named “Il Divin Codino,” follows the life of Roberto Baggio, a great offensive midfielder who encouraged millions of others to join the game. The film, which was directed by Letizia Lamartire, chronicles the highs and lows of Baggio’s amazing athletic accomplishments, emphasizing his talent, tenacity, and on-field wizardry. It also shows how, by ignoring the things that plague others, he recovered from some of the darkest periods in a professional athlete’s career. Watch the film here if you’d want to get a peek of the lasting impact a player has on soccer fans worldwide.
Anelka: Misunderstood (2020)
“Anelka: Misunderstood,” as the title implies, examines the career of renowned French soccer player Nicolas Anelka and the scandals that dogged him during his professional career. Franck Nataf and Éric Hannezo’s documentary, originally titled “Anelka: L’Incompris,” attempts to balance Anelka’s skill on the field with his reputation as a difficult player to control off it.
It documents his miscommunications with his clubs, managers, supporters, and the soccer world at large. But it also shows the extraordinary talent that made him one of the greatest up-and-coming French players in his early years. Anelka’s conflicting image draws attention to the dangers of playing soccer at the highest level and the pressure players have to always be their best selves. You can stream the film here if you’re interested in the subtleties.
The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football (2022)
“The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football” highlights a controversial 2000 transfer agreement for the erratic Portuguese winger Luis Figo. Figo’s transfer from FC Barcelona to their rivals Real Madrid CF was hailed as one of the most contentious transactions in soccer history, and it caused a wide range of reactions among the soccer community for years to come. The film explores the specifics of how it happened and what caused two competitors with a long history to engage in an unprecedented deal.
“The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football” transports viewers to a period when significant club transfers were only beginning to become commonplace, a time when transfer deals are receiving a lot of attention in contemporary sports endeavors. But more than that, the film directed by Ben Nicholas and David Tryhorn pulls back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of a contract that has long stoked animosity among Barcelona supporters and curiosity among other soccer enthusiasts. By seeing the film here, you can attempt to decipher its intricacy.
Pelé (2021)
Pelé, a Brazilian hero who predates legendary generational players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the few who has been able to transcend soccer. The 12-year golden age of the renowned celebrity and his transformation from a young starlet to a hero in the eyes of his people are examined in the documentary “Pelé,” which was directed by Ben Nicholas and David Tryhorn.
Even if there are many who claim to have revolutionized soccer, Pelé’s status as an unrivaled athlete only strengthens his argument. As the only player to win three World Cups, the film shows how, in spite of the difficulties of the era, he rose above the status of a mere man in the eyes and hearts of the Brazilian people. This film, which can be streamed here, explores one of soccer’s undeniable icons and reflects on what brilliance in the sport means.
