10 Best Movies About Football of All Time
The 10 best movies about football of all time go beyond the sport—they capture the passion, struggles, and triumphs that define the game.
In this article, we share some of the best football movies you must see.
Top 10 Best Football Movies of All Time
We share a list of the top ten best football movies of all time—stories packed with passion, drama, and unforgettable moments that every football fan will love.
Pelé
IMDB Rating: ★★★★★ 6.8
Starring: Pelé, Jairzinho, Rivellino, Mário Zagallo
Directed By: Ben Nicholas, David Tryhorn
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
Pelé is often called one of the best football documentaries ever made. It tells the story of how Pelé started at Santos FC and became the only player to win three World Cups.
The film also looks at Brazil’s political struggles in the 1960s and shows how Pelé’s success gave hope to the country during tough times. With interviews, rare footage, and stories from his teammates and family, it feels personal and real.
One of the most emotional moments shows Pelé in his 80s, reflecting on his life, challenges, and victories. As one of the best movies about football based on true stories, it celebrates the legacy of a football legend.
Ultras
IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 6.4
Starring: Aniello Arena, Ciro Nacca, Simone Borrelli
Directed By: Francesco Lettieri
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
Ultras is a powerful football movie that gives a raw and emotional look at the sport’s darker side. The story follows Sandro (Aniello Arena), the aging leader of the Apaches, a violent football gang in Naples. Nearing 50 and banned from matches, Sandro begins to reflect on his life of chaos and violence.
This is more than just another football-based movie. After a tragic loss, Sandro takes on the responsibility of caring for Angelo (Ciro Nacca), the younger brother of a fallen gang member. As Sandro tries to leave his violent past behind, the gang faces a rebellion led by the reckless Pechegno (Simone Borrelli).
Ultras explores loyalty, redemption, and personal change while highlighting the intensity of football fanaticism.
It’s one of those great football films that goes beyond the pitch and focuses on the struggles and transformations of its characters.
All the Freckles in the World
IMDB Rating: ★★★★★ 5.4
Starring: Hanssel Casillas, Loreto Peralta, Luis de la Rosa
Directed By: Yibrán Asuad
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
All the Freckles in the World is one of the funniest football movies, blending comedy with the ups and downs of growing up. Set during the 1994 World Cup, it tells the story of José Miguel, a 13-year-old who moves to a new school in Mexico City, where football is everything.
José doesn’t care about the sport—until he meets Cristina Palazuelos, the most admired girl in school, and falls head over heels for her.
The problem? Cristina is dating Kenji, the school’s star football player. But José won’t give up. He pulls together a group of misfit classmates to form a football team and enters the school tournament. With the help of Rodrigo, a towering freshman with surprising talent, José dreams of winning both the tournament and Cristina’s attention.
This football comedy captures adolescence’s awkwardness, friendship’s power, and the silly things we do for love. Whether you’re a football fan or not, All the Freckles in the World is a feel-good movie that will keep you laughing and rooting for the underdogs.
Anelka: Misunderstood
IMDB Rating: ★★★★★★ 6.4
Starring: Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba
Directed By: Franck Nataf
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
Anelka: Misunderstood is one of the best football documentaries about the life and career of Nicolas Anelka, a talented yet controversial footballer. The film shows how he went from playing football in the streets of Paris to starring for famous football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
This true-story football movie shows the highs and lows of Anelka’s career, including his success on the field and his many controversies.
It covers moments like the player strike he led during the 2010 World Cup and his famous gesture at West Brom. Interviews with football stars like Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, and Arsène Wenger add depth to the story.
This football movie is a great pick for fans who want more than just goals and trophies. It’s about the man behind the headlines and what it really takes to be a footballer. If you’re looking for a film that shows both the highs and lows of the game, Anelka: Misunderstood is worth watching.
The Figo Affair: The Transfer that Changed Football
IMDB Rating: ★★★★★★ 6.9
Starring: Luís Figo, Joan Gaspart, Florentino Pérez
Directed By: José Luis de la Peña
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
The Figo Affair: The Transfer that Changed Football tells one of the most unforgettable stories in football history.
It stands out among great football movies and focuses on Luís Figo’s infamous transfer from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000. This move turned him from a Barcelona hero to one of the club’s most hated players.
This football documentary looks at the $75 million transfer deal, led by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, and the events leading up to Figo’s controversial departure.
It also shares both sides of the story, including disputes between Figo and Barcelona president Joan Gaspart. The fallout was intense—Barcelona fans burned his jerseys and, during one match, even threw a pig’s head onto the field.
As one of the most motivational football movies, The Figo Affair shows how big decisions in football can define careers and rivalries.
It captures one of the sport’s most dramatic moments with interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.
Diego Maradona
IMDB Rating: ★★★★★★★★ 7.7
Starring: Diego Maradona (archive footage), Claudia Villafañe, Cristiana Sinagra
Directed By: Asif Kapadia
When it comes to the best football movies, Diego Maradona (2019) stands out. Directed by Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna), this incredible documentary takes a close look at the life of one of football’s greatest legends.
Using over 500 hours of previously unseen footage, it gives fans an intimate look at Maradona’s highs and lows on and off the pitch.
The film is based entirely on true events, focusing on Maradona’s time at Napoli in the 1980s. It captures how he took a struggling team to glory, winning two Serie A titles and becoming a god-like figure in the city.
This documentary doesn’t just showcase his skills on the field; it also looks into his personal battles with fame, addiction, and ties to Naples’ criminal underworld. If you’re into true football stories, Diego Maradona is a must-see.
Holy Goalie
IMDB Rating: ★★★★★ 5.9
Starring: Alain Hernández, Karra Elejalde, El Langui
Directed By: Victor García León
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
Holy Goalie is a hilarious comedy about football that brings plenty of charm to the screen. The story follows Father Salvador (Alain Hernández), a monk sent to a struggling monastery. To save their home from being demolished, the monks decide to compete in the Champions Clerum, a football tournament for clergy.
With the reluctant support of Father Munilla (Karra Elejalde), Father Salvador forms a team of quirky players.
Simon (Joel Bosqued) is kind but clumsy, Jesus (Guillermo Furiase) brings enthusiasm, and Juan Bautista (Paco Rueda) is more focused on pastries than goals. Together, they tackle their challenges both on and off the pitch.
This feel-good football film mixes slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and an underdog story with stakes beyond winning a trophy. For fans of football comedies or the best football movies with a lighter tone, Holy Goalie delivers a fun and uplifting watch.
The Beautiful Game
IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 6.3
Starring: Bill Nighy, Micheal Ward
Directed By: Thea Sharrock
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
The Beautiful Game is a film inspired by the real-life Homeless World Cup. It follows the English team, led by their coach Mal (Bill Nighy), as they travel from London to Rome for the tournament.
A talented but troubled striker, Vinny (Micheal Ward) holds the team’s hopes in his hands.To help the team succeed, he has to let go of his past and learn to work with others. Mal reminds the players that football can be more than just a game—it’s a way to share their stories and build something better.
Set against the backdrop of the tournament in Rome, The Beautiful Game shows how football can bring hope and second chances, making it a powerful watch for any fan.
Baggio: The Divine Ponytail
IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 6.9
Starring: Andrea Arcangeli, Andrea Pennacchi
Directed By: Lorenzo D’Amico de Carvalho
Netflix Trailer: Watch here
Baggio: The Divine Ponytail is one of the best football films about Roberto Baggio, one of Italy’s legendary players. It’s not just about his career but also his challenges, like injuries, family struggles, and his search for peace through Buddhism, which was unusual in Catholic Italy.
The film covers his 22-year career, including memorable moments like his missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, which became part of football history. It also highlights his complicated relationship with his father, who initially didn’t support his football dreams.
His nickname, “The Divine Ponytail,” came from his iconic hairstyle and unique presence on and off the field. The movie about football captures the highs and lows of his life, making it more than just a sports story—it’s about the man behind the legend.
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait
IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 6.3
Starring: Zinedine Zidane
Directed By: Douglas Gordon, Philippe Parreno
When it comes to top football films, Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait stands out for its fresh and artistic approach.
This football-based movie focuses entirely on Zinedine Zidane during a Real Madrid match against Villarreal in 2005. Using 17 cameras, it captures every move, emotion, and moment of Zidane’s performance, giving you an intimate look at one of football’s greatest players.
Unlike other football documentaries, this one skips traditional storytelling and commentary. Instead, it pulls you into Zidane’s world with the raw sounds of the stadium and a haunting soundtrack by Mogwai. It’s less about the match itself and more about football as an art form, seen through Zidane’s perspective.
Best Movies About Football Conclusion
To choose the best movies about football, think about what interests you most about the game. If you want to learn about football legends and their stories, documentaries like Pelé or Diego Maradona are perfect.
For inspiring underdog tales, try The Beautiful Game or Holy Goalie. Fans of football culture might enjoy Ultras or The Figo Affair for their focus on loyalty and rivalries. And if you’re in the mood for something light, comedies like All the Freckles in the World bring humor to the pitch.
FAQs About Best Football Movies
What are the best football movies of all time?
Films like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and The Damned United are considered some of the top football movies of all time for their passion and storytelling.
What are the best true story football movies?
Pelé, The Figo Affair, and Baggio: The Divine Ponytail are great football movies based on true stories, offering inspiring and emotional narratives.
What are some funny football movies?
Football funny movies like Holy Goalie and All the Freckles in the World bring humor to the pitch and are perfect for a fun watch.
What are the most motivational football movies?
The Beautiful Game and The Damned United are top football motivational movies showcasing underdog stories and inspiring journeys.
What are the best football documentaries?
Diego Maradona and Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait are must-watch football documentaries, giving an intimate look at the legends of the game.