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Netflix Soccer Documentary: Best 10 Shows to Score a Stream

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Editorial Team
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Football holds the title of the world’s most beloved sport for a very good reason. Witnessing your nation’s team compete in the World Cup fills you with immense national pride. Local communities are united and energized by football clubs, while both teams and players effortlessly cross the traditional boundaries of fan loyalty. A good Netflix soccer documentary like “Neymar: The Perfect Chaos” strikes a chord with audiences because they delve deep into the interpersonal and real-life drama, offering a peek into the personalities, motivations, and behind-the-scenes dynamics that underpin their tales.

If you’re seeking to fuel your passion for football or simply want to delve deeper into the sport, then you’re in for a treat with these football documentaries available on Netflix. They impeccably capture the rich histories of celebrated clubs, endearing underdogs, iconic figures, and exceptionally gifted mavericks. You’ll relish them, even if you’re not yet a devoted football enthusiast.

*Neymar: The Perfect Chaos* – The Best Netflix Soccer Documentary

netflix soccer documentary

Neymar: The Perfect Chaos

This engaging three-episode Netflix soccer documentary carefully examines the journey of Neymar, the Brazilian soccer sensation who evolved into a global icon. While the series shines a spotlight on Neymar’s meteoric ascent and undeniable prowess as a striker for Paris Saint-Germain, a rising force in the fashion world, and a notable influencer, it doesn’t shy away from delving into the more shadowy aspects of fame.

Neymar serves as an inspiration, particularly for those who honed their soccer skills on the streets of Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo. However, “The Perfect Chaos” goes beyond the glitz and glamour, revealing the iconic athlete’s struggles with the immense pressures and isolation that accompany solitary stardom. In a world where athletes often appear almost godlike, this documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the very human person behind the extraordinary on-field achievements.

*Sunderland ’Til I Die*

netflix soccer documentary

Sunderland ’Til I Die

If you’re yearning for an unfiltered glimpse into the world of exceptional athletes and coaches coming together for victory, you won’t find it here. However, despite the absence of a cheerful conclusion, this series stands out as one of the finest. It traces the journey of Sunderland AFC, a struggling club that has recently suffered relegation from the Premier League, English soccer’s top division, to the Championship, the second tier.

What unfolds is a poignant portrayal of resilience, where steadfast fans continue to support their team through challenging times, the dedicated staff work tirelessly to maintain stability, and the players scrape out a few hard-fought wins. While it may not always be an enjoyable watch, it provides a compelling insight into the trials a team and a city endure when the outcomes are not in their favor.

*Boca Juniors Confidential*

netflix soccer documentary

Boca Juniors Confidential 

Back in 2004, The Observer, a British newspaper, unveiled a list titled “50 Sporting Experiences to Achieve in a Lifetime,” and perched at the very pinnacle was the Superclásico, the fierce rivalry clash between the Buenos Aires giants, Boca Juniors and River Plate. These two clubs stand as the Argentine soccer juggernauts, and their showdown, as described by The Observer, is “the epitome of intensity in Argentine football and quite possibly all of Latin America: a spectacle of vibrant colors, resounding noise, and boundless energy.”

“Boca Juniors Confidential” delves deep into the trials and triumphs of their 2017–2018 season. At the outset, the club grapples with injuries to crucial players while new talents seamlessly integrate into the team. The return of Carlos Tevez, a Boca Juniors legend, and the addition of Ramón “Wanchope” Ábila mark pivotal moments. Yet, the most touching narrative revolves around player Lisandro Magallán, who tragically loses his father midseason but carries on with his pursuit of a law degree in his honor. This series serves as a splendid gateway to the realm of Argentine soccer.

*Pelé*

netflix soccer documentary

Pelé

Pelé, the very first worldwide soccer sensation, remains an eternal icon in the realm of the sport. He astonishingly netted 1,279 goals throughout his 1,363 career matches, and he stands alone as the sole player to clinch three World Cups. Pelé skillfully narrates his astounding journey from a humble kid who polished shoes in Bauru, São Paulo, to becoming a revered Brazilian soccer legend.

However, the documentary truly shines when it delves into Pelé’s nonpartisan stance after the 1964 military coup in Brazil, which was supported by the United States and led to a repressive dictatorship. The film raises challenging questions about what athletes can accomplish in the realm of social justice and the formidable obstacles to change in the face of an oppressive government.

Even amid these complex issues, the film instills a profound admiration for the way Pelé elevated the sport to even greater global prominence, gracefully bore the weight of fame, and displayed the beautiful essence of the game.

*First Team: Juventus*

netflix soccer documentary

First Team: Juventus

Juventus, based in Turin, proudly claims the title of Italy’s most successful soccer club. “First Team: Juventus” provides an intimate look at the team’s culture, values, and substantial resources. When you contrast this series with “Sunderland ‘Til I Die,” the contrast is striking. Juventus not only aims for constant victory but consistently achieves it.

The team’s stadium, training facilities, and offseason camp are impeccable, a testament to their ample financial backing. Giorgio Chiellini, a devoted defender and long-serving member, describes the team’s pursuit of victory as an “obsession.”

While “First Team: Juventus” is rich with compelling narratives from the 2017-2018 season, such as the quest for Champions League glory and the rollercoaster performance of top goal-scorer Gonzalo Higuain, at its core lies the imminent retirement of goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. At 39 years old, Buffon had been with the club since 2001, and his illustrious career had become intertwined with Juventus’ values.

While this Netflix soccer documentary offers a captivating view of a culture of winning, it also delivers a poignant portrayal of an athlete who knows it’s time to retire but isn’t quite ready to hang up his gloves.

*Bad Sport* | Episode 3, “Soccergate”

netflix soccer documentary

Bad Sport

While Juventus undeniably holds a prominent position in the annals of Italian soccer, its journey to success has not been without its dark moments. One of the most glaring stains on their record was the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal of 2006, which led to the team’s relegation to Serie B, a lower division.

During the 2004-2005 Serie A season, Juventus’ top brass resorted to underhanded tactics by paying off Italian match officials to favor the team with their decisions. The fallout from this scandal was severe. Juventus had their title revoked, and the points they had accumulated during that season were wiped out. (It’s worth noting that other Italian clubs, including Milan, Reggina, and Lazio, were also implicated and faced consequences.)

This episode remains a disheartening blemish on the pages of Italian soccer history. Nevertheless, it is a narrative of corruption that deserves to be recounted and remembered.

*The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life* | Episode 2, “Jill Ellis”; Episode 3, “José Mourinho”

netflix soccer documentary

The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life 

Jill Ellis held the position of head coach for the US Women’s National Soccer Team from 2014 to 2019, during which the team maintained the No. 1 ranking for six consecutive years and secured two back-to-back World Cup victories. On the other hand, José Mourinho stands tall as one of soccer’s most celebrated managers, boasting numerous league titles, including two prestigious Champions League titles and a plethora of other honors.

Netflix’s documentary series, “The Playbook,” delves into the strategies, mindsets, and backgrounds of these renowned coaches, exploring their unique recipes for success. In Ellis’s episode, viewers gain insights into her unwavering personal standards and how the drive to outdo oneself plays a crucial role in achieving goals. Meanwhile, in Mourinho’s episode, audiences catch a glimpse of what fuels the determined and charismatic tactician. One of his guiding principles is: “If you are prepared for the worst, you are prepared for anything.”

*Losers* | Episode 2, “The Jaws of Victory”

Losers documentary

Losers

This episode from Netflix’s Losers docuseries delves into the story of the little-known English football club, Torquay United. In most European soccer leagues, there’s a system where the weakest teams drop down a division, and the top teams move up. Think of it like the New York Yankees suddenly finding themselves in the minor league (AAA) due to constant losses.

Losers takes us back to Torquay United’s 1987 season, a time when the club not only faced relegation but also the possibility of dissolving since there were no lower leagues to fall into. The stakes were sky-high, and their chances of survival were thinner than a wafer.

Despite the odds stacked against them, this episode weaves a heartwarming and peculiar tale of how this group of underdogs came together. It becomes so bizarre that the fate of the season hinges on an unexpected twist involving a mischievous police dog interrupting a game.

*Maradona in Mexico* – The Best Netflix Soccer Documentary About Maradona

Maradona in Mexico documentary

Maradona in Mexico

Diego Maradona stands as one of soccer’s most revered and captivating icons in its rich history. The late Argentine goal-scoring maestro not only left his mark on the field but also possessed an outsized, magnetic personality. (His notorious handball goal in the 1986 World Cup even inspired Paolo Sorrentino’s film, “The Hand of God.”)

The documentary “Maradona in Mexico” steps into the scene in 2018, a time when the retired legend surprisingly takes up the coaching reins of Dorados de Sinaloa, the weakest team in Mexico’s second division. It all kicks off with the flamboyant Maradona being ejected from a game for some choice words directed at the opposing team’s coach and the referees.

As the subsequent episodes unfold, Maradona shines as the brightest star, infusing the team with hope and determination to rewrite their fortunes and secure victories. Although Maradona sadly passed away from a heart attack in 2020, “Maradona in Mexico” paints a portrait of a multifaceted legend who continued to inspire even in his later years. Unlike other documentaries that delve into the darker aspects of Maradona’s life, such as his struggles with substance abuse, this one celebrates his undeniable charm.

*Anelka: Misunderstood*

Anelka Misunderstood documentary

Anelka: Misunderstood

If you grew up following the excitement of Premier League soccer, Nicolas Anelka must ring a bell. The enigmatic and sometimes controversial French striker showcased his talents at Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and other renowned teams. In the 2020 documentary, Anelka takes a deep dive into his career, aiming to set the record straight about his undeniable skill, his numerous clashes with coaches, his contentious rapport with the media, and his missed opportunities.

As this Netflix soccer documentary unfolds, Anelka emerges as a charismatic and charming figure, although he remains staunchly defensive about how he’s portrayed in the media and his public image. It offers a captivating psychological portrait of a figure who often divided opinions. Yet, insights from his former teammates and coaches, luminaries like Thierry Henry, Patrice Evra, and Arsene Wenger, help paint a more intricate and comprehensive picture of this now-retired soccer star.

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