Football is not just a game; it’s a global phenomenon that captivates millions with its mixture of athleticism, strategy, and drama. More than the goals and the trophies, it’s the stories behind the scenes that can be equally enthralling. Documentaries give us a glimpse into the passion, the pain, and the glory that happens both on and off the pitch. For die-hard fans and casual onlookers alike, here’s a list of the 15 best football documentaries of all time:

1.Hoops Dreams (1994)– Although it’s about basketball, this documentary sets the standard for sports storytelling and serves as a template for many football documentaries to come.

2.Next Goal Wins (2014)– This touching film follows the American Samoa football team as they try to recover from their record 31-0 defeat against Australia.

3.The Two Escobars (2010)– Exploring the interwoven lives of footballer Andrés Escobar and drug baron Pablo Escobar in Colombia, it delves into the nexus between sports, crime, and politics.

4.Senna vs Brundle (2016)– Not strictly about football, yet captures competitive spirit akin to what you find in football rivalries through Formula 1 lens.

5.An Impossible Job (1994)– Also known as “The Impossible Job: The England Manager,” It gives us an inside look at Graham Taylor’s ill-fated campaign as England manager.

6.One Night in Turin (2010)– This documentary revisits England’s journey during World Cup Italia ’90 against a backdrop of social turmoil in England.

7.O.J.: Made in America (2016)– O.J Simpson was an American Football player whose story transcends sport through themes of race, celebrity culture and justice.

8.Garrincha: Hero of the Jungle (1963)– The story of Brazil’s often-overlooked footballing hero alongside Pelé, this film celebrates his impact on football.

9.Maradona by Kusturica (2008)– A film by Emir Kusturica about legendary player Diego Maradona; full of heart and chaos alike.

10.I Believe in Miracles (2015)– It covers Nottingham Forest’s rise under manager Brian Clough to win back-to-back European Cups.

11.Soccer Stories: Hillsborough (2014)– Part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, this documentary examines the tragic events and aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

12.Les Bleus (2016)– A study on the French national team that deals with themes such as multiethnic society reflected through football.

13.This Is Football (2019)– An Amazon Original documentary series which shows different stories encapsulating the global love for football.

14.Once Brothers (2010) –Although focused on basketball, it tells a tale relatable to many sports including football; how politics and conflict can tear apart relationships between athletes from Yugoslavia’s national team.

15.Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager (2018)– A feature-length, touching tribute to one of England’s most loved football managers and his life in football.

These documentaries provide an unparalleled insight into different aspects of football — from its influence on national identity to personal stories of redemption and triumph. They prove that sometimes, reality can be just as compelling as fiction when it comes to the beautiful game.