Diego Maradona (2019)
Forget what you think you know about celebrity athletes. Asif Kapadia’s masterful documentary, constructed from over 500 hours of unseen footage, is a breathtaking portrait of the Argentine demigod Diego Maradona during his tumultuous years at Napoli. It’s not just a highlight reel; it’s a Shakespearean tragedy about a man who was both a genius on the field and a captive of his own fame. You’ll see him transform a forgotten Italian city into champions and witness the crushing weight of his connection to the local mafia. It’s the perfect entry point for understanding the concept of the flawed superstar, a recurring theme in soccer history. This film shows how one man can embody the hopes of an entire people, for better and for worse. *Where to watch:
Max*
The Two Escobars (2010)
Part of ESPN’s original *30 for 30* series, this remains one of the most powerful sports documentaries ever made. It masterfully intertwines the lives of two unrelated Colombians: soccer star Andrés Escobar and notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. The film explores the rise of “narco-soccer” in the late '80s and early '90s, when cartel money fueled the Colombian national team’s spectacular ascent. It’s a gripping, heartbreaking look at the intersection of sport, national identity, crime, and politics. The story culminates in the 1994 World Cup, held in the U.S., and its tragic aftermath. More than any other film, *The Two Escobars* proves that soccer is never just a game; it’s a mirror reflecting society’s greatest triumphs and its deepest failures.
*Where to watch: ESPN+*
Sunderland 'Til I Die (2018-2020)
If you want to understand what a soccer club means to a community, this is required viewing. The series follows English club Sunderland A.F.C. in the aftermath of their devastating relegation from the Premier League. What was meant to be a story of a triumphant return becomes a chronicle of painful, successive failures. But the real stars are the fans and the city itself—a proud, working-class town whose identity is inextricably linked to its struggling club. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at the business of modern soccer and the unwavering loyalty of the supporters who endure it all. You’ll feel the communal hope in the pubs and the gut-wrenching despair in the stands. It’s the anti-*Ted Lasso*, and it’s brilliant.
*Where to watch: Netflix*
Welcome to Wrexham (2022-Present)
Consider this the optimistic, Hollywood-backed cousin to *Sunderland 'Til I Die*. The series follows American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after their shocking purchase of Wrexham A.F.C., one of the world's oldest professional soccer clubs, languishing in the fifth tier of English football. It’s a fascinating fish-out-of-water story that has introduced millions of Americans to the pyramid system and the deep-rooted passion of lower-league football. While it has celebrity glitz, the show’s heart is in its depiction of the resilient Welsh town and the fans who are swept up in this improbable fairy tale. It’s a masterclass in sports storytelling and a perfect gateway for new American fans.
*Where to watch: Hulu*
FIFA Uncovered (2022)
The World Cup is a spectacle of global unity and athletic brilliance. It's also the product of an organization long plagued by corruption. This Netflix docuseries is a damning, methodical investigation into FIFA, the governing body of world soccer. It lays out, in jaw-dropping detail, decades of bribery, power-brokering, and backroom deals that determined everything from who got to be president to which nations would host the tournament. As the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 event, this series provides essential, if cynical, context on the money and power that drive the entire spectacle. It’s the story of the men in suits who control the beautiful game.
*Where to watch: Netflix*
