The sport of soccer has forever drawn eyeballs from all over the world, uniting individuals with their ambition and competitiveness. When the players step onto the ground, they need to be dependent not only on one’s ability but also upon the strategy, formation, and

harmony between them. Hence, tales that explore the sport tend to draw upon the human elements of the game – such as perseverance, determination, grit, teamwork, and the thrill of winning against all odds. From the life of fans, players, managers, or owners, football throws up engrossing stories with emotion and sentiment. The following movies explore the stories that run around the game of soccer and what makes it so significant to millions of fans across the globe. So, with no further delay, here are the top soccer movies on Netflix.

18. Jaadugar (2022)

This Indian Hindi-language film is set in a small Indian town and features the story of a young man called Meenu Narang, a lowly magician. His passion for magic tricks is endless, but he understands that he will require more than tricks to win over the girl of his dreams, Disha. A forthcoming soccer tournament could be his ticket to getting closer to his “goal.” There are two issues, though: he doesn’t know how to play soccer, and his team hasn’t won a game in years. Meenu will need actual magic this time. Does it exist? Featuring Jitendra Kumar and Arushi Sharma, ‘Jaadugar’ is a heartwarming sports comedy drama, properly entertaining for everyone of all ages. It is available to stream here.

17. Jada (2019)

The Indian Tamil-language drama ‘Jada’ tracks soccer fan Jada (Kathir), whose choice to register his team in his town’s local gruesome soccer tournament brings on a chain of supernatural occurrences marked by the passing away of his soccer hero. Equal parts sport and supernatural, the Kumaran directorial manages to get along fairly well with both conflicting narratives while presenting both in an engaging way. With a gripping story and interesting performances, ‘Jada’ is an interesting soccer drama you can stream here.

16. Vini Jr. (2025)

Directed by Andrucha Waddington, the docu-film ‘Vini Jr.,’ or ‘Baila, Vini,’ revolves around Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior. With particular emphasis on what happened in 2024, when the star got hurt and experienced racial hate, but rose above it all, the movie brings us backstage, revealing his training, his game strategy, as well as how others view him as a person and player, including his family and teammates. 2024 is also the year when he was voted best player in the world by The Best FIFA, thus ending 17 years of drought for Brazil. ‘Vini Jr.’ includes interviews with the sport’s biggest players like Neymar, coach Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid CEO José Ángel Sánchez, and Benzema. You can watch it here.

15. It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football (2024)

Joanna Pardos’ Spanish documentary feature ‘It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football’ sheds light on the scandal of the unwanted kiss by then Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales on the lips of national team forward Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales kissed her when she was receiving her medal after Spain won FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. How the move and its consequences upended the best night in Spanish football is covered through interviews with Hermoso and other members of the squad, such as Ivana Andrés, Teresa

Abelleira, Olga Carmona, and Laia Codina. They narrate the media hysteria that preceded the kiss, which was broadcast live and extended to millions of global fans. This is the predominant topic, though the 94-minute movie also talks about the different problems that had plagued the team prior to the 2023 World Cup, highlighted by the RFEF mismanagement of the Spanish Football Federation, according to Arsenal defender Laia Codina. It also highlights the ‘Las 15’, the 15 players who had expressed concern regarding their health and emotional well-being in September 2022. To find out how the fire started spreading and its effect, you may view the documentary here.

14. Penalty Kick (2018)

Directed by Rodrigo Triana, ‘Penalty Kick’ follows the offbeat story of a soccer fanatic Mariano Cárdenas, who has to decide between his uncontrolled passion for the Mexican national team and his own family. When Mariano’s uncle dies before Mexico and the USA’s last qualifying game at the 2018 World Cup, the married man must decide whether to watch his beloved team go through their toughest endeavor yet or attend his loved one’s burial. The zany sports satire, whose Spanish title is ‘La pena máxima,’ is a remake of the Colombian film of the same name, which was itself a remake from the short story entitled ‘Un día de fútbol.’ The film captures the passion of soccer fans and just how much passion some have for their respective teams. Even if Mariano ends up losing everything in his life, his affair with his national team drives him to take the most outrageous decisions. Though the show has a satirical tone with just a trace of truth in its narrative, you can find out for yourself by watching the movie online here.

13. All the Freckles in the World (2019)

The Mexican coming-of-age film, ‘All the Freckles in the World,’ is a story about a 13-year-old boy named José Miguel who relocates to Mexico City and falls in love with a girl called Cristina. José, in an effort to win her over, forms a soccer team and plays in a tournament to compete for her love against her boyfriend, Kenji Matarazzo. But the fight becomes even fiercer when Kenji confronts him prior to the game. Originally named, ‘Todas las pecas del Mundo,’ the Yibrán Asuad directed film illustrates that soccer may be more than a game on the pitch; it can also decide the issues of the heart. If you want to know who Cristina gives her heart to at the end, stream the movie here.

12. The Champion (2024)

The Spanish drama film, ‘The Champion,’ known as ‘El campeón’ in Spain, is about a hotheaded player by the name of Diego who plays for Atlético de Madrid. In a momentary scuffle during a game, Diego is benched by his club’s top management to come to terms with his temper by consulting a closet psychologist, Álex. The two meet off on the wrong foot but learn to assist one another through challenges. Directed by Carlos Therón, ‘The Champion’ ventures into the dirty world of explosive players and shady agents keen on serving their purpose. The film ventures into the less-seen side of soccer – a side surrounded by the publicity and branding aspect of things as Diego becomes a pawn controlled by other individuals. Finally, his connection with Álex is his sole exit from his dilemma, but only if he can share himself. The film can be streamed here.

11. Dream (2023)

In ‘Dream,’ a soccer athlete named Yoon Hong-dae receives a disciplinary probation that compels him to engage in a special occupation as the head coach of a national soccer team. The team consists of homeless individuals who have their own personality quirks and tics but not much soccer talent to accompany them. Despite being hesitant initially, Hong-dae accepts the challenge with gusto and gets to enjoy his new career as their coach. With the approaching International Homeless World Cup, he begins to train his team to play in the tournament. The film, which was originally called ‘Deurim,’ by director Lee Byeong-heon has a heartwarming plot of coming to terms with one’s shortcomings and taking solace in the things that matter. Even if Yoon Hong-dae’s own soccer is going nowhere, coaching provides him with intellectual capital and puts a fresh mission into his life – one dealing in assisting those worse off than himself. The inspiring sports drama is inspired by real events from the 2010 Homeless World Cup and can be viewed here.

10. Ultras (2020)

The Italian drama, ‘Ultras,’ focuses on Sandro, a soccer enthusiast who is the leader of a group of ultras known as the Apaches. After a lifetime of violence and aggressive support for his team, Sandro is now at a turning point as the realities of getting older and being lonely begin to catch up with him. He begins to move away from his self-destructive lifestyle while also guiding a young fan by the name of Angelo, who idolizes him. Directed by Francesco Lettieri, the Netflix drama mines the nasty aspect of soccer fandom and how it utterly transforms individuals’ lives into an unhealthy passion. While it is about the game, its identity, expression, and redemption themes are guaranteed to catch the attention of even non-soccer fans. If you are among them, see it here.

9. Forever (2023)

In ‘Forever,’ the Swedish teen drama, two teenage girls – Mila and Kia – dream of being soccer professionals. But when a new coach, Lollo, begins to make them put in demands, their relationship begins breaking down as their determination to become better players gets in the way of a normal relationship. The Anders Hazelius directorial poses the tough questions that most professional athletes must answer some time in their career: What is it like when your passion becomes a burden in your life? Both Mila and Kia must respond to it for the sake of their friendship. Their increasing maturity is the focal point of this sports drama, where juggling adolescence and dreams is part of their next step in life. You can view ‘Forever’ here.

8. Inside Story (2011)

‘Inside Story’ follows Kalu, a talented soccer star from Kenya whose career dreams are shattered when he is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Once he has enrolled in a South African club, Kalu learns not only to deal with the personal issues in his life but also how to function as part of a team. The Rolie Nikiwe-directed movie is an informative tale of the dangers of the HIV/AIDS virus and the obligation that is placed on people to protect their own health as well as the health of others. It weaves its educational aspects into a overarching narrative about ambitious flying high and how the game of soccer makes individuals from diverse backgrounds believe big and reach for the stars. The film can be streamed here.

7. Untold: Hope Solo vs U.S. Soccer (2024)

The documentary ‘Untold: Hope Solo vs U.S. Soccer’ explores the life and battles of Hope Solo, a now-retired women’s soccer team player who had a number of struggles with the federation on issues including gender inequality and equal pay. A known outspoken athlete, Solo is in a fragile position after her departure from the sport, talking about her take on what happened in the Nina Meredith directorial. The film documents her playing career, from her emergence as one of the best goalkeepers to her later fall and the resulting controversies. It presents a multifaceted portrait of a professional footballer whose life reflects the dangers and euphoric moments of the sport. You can immerse yourself in Solo’s complicated life on and off the field here.

6. The Final: Attack on Wembley (2024)

‘The Final: Attack on Wembley’ is the narrative of actual events during the Euro 2020 final when a section of 6,000 ticketless soccer enthusiasts stormed the gates of Wembley Stadium to catch the England-Italy final. What followed was the carnage they left behind and that became the talk of the town in the media circles, with the soccer community raking up issues about the fans’ lack of discipline. The film, directed by Robert Miller and Kwabena Oppong, captures the feral drama of the night as racism, drugs, and alcohol were a larger issue than England’s subsequent loss to Italy during the match. If you are interested in watching a key off-pitch soccer event where thousands of spectators turned an un-ticketed stadium into an occasion, you can stream the film here.

5. The Beautiful Game (2024)

Directed by Thea Sharrock, the British sports drama, ‘The Beautiful Game’ is based on the adventures of Mal, manager of England’s homeless soccer team, who takes his team to Rome to play at the Homeless World Cup. Though it is a difficult experience dealing with the talented striker of the team, Vinny, Mal sets his own hopes to win the tournament on the shoulders of the troubled man. And yet, Vinny is not without his own set of problems to deal with before he is able to assist the team. The Netflix film has a rousing tale of underdogs, and one that is all about second chances in life. You can watch the inspiring tale here.

4. Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (2021).

Originally titled ‘Il Divin Codino,’ the Italian sports biographical drama film, ‘Baggio: The Divine Ponytail,’ tells the true-to-life career of Roberto Baggio, a mythical attacking midfielder who encouraged millions of footballers to take to the pitch. Directed by Letizia Lamartire, the film covers the highs and lows of the phenomenal sporting career of Baggio, highlighting his determination, skill, arguments, and magical prowess on the pitch. It also shows how he recovered from some of the lowest points in a professional athlete’s life by stepping away from the things that trouble others. If you wish to see a glimpse of a lasting player’s legacy in the hearts and minds of soccer fans worldwide, watch the movie here.

3. Anelka: Misunderstood (2020)

As the title implies, ‘Anelka: Misunderstood’ delves into the life and career of renowned French footballer, Nicolas Anelka, and the scandals that surrounded him during his playing career. Initially named ‘Anelka: L’Incompris,’ the documentary of Franck Nataf and Éric Hannezo attempts to balance Anelka’s talent on the field with his reputation off it as a difficult player to handle. It documents his misadventures with his managers, clubs, supporters, and the soccer world at large. But it also paints the incredible skill that made him one of France’s great upcoming players in his prime years. The mixed image of Anelka shows the downside of high-level soccer and the pressure upon players to be at their best on a constant basis. If the subtleties fascinate you, the film can be streamed here.

2. The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football (2022)

‘The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football’ puts the spotlight on a transfer agreement for volatile Portuguese winger Luis Figo which created a storm in 2000. Described as one of soccer’s most controversial deals ever, Figo’s transfer from FC Barcelona to their arch-rivals Real Madrid CF made for a whole gaggle of opinions streaming through the soccer community for years to come. The film gets down to business regarding how it happened and why it resulted in an unprecedented exchange of two great former enemies. With so much focus on transfer business in contemporary sporting enterprise, ‘The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football’ brings us back to the days when huge transfers between teams were only just emerging as the norm. More than that, though, Ben Nicholas and David Tryhorn’s film pulls back the curtains to show the behind-the-scenes machinations of a deal that long has fostered ill-will among Barcelona fans and curiosity from the rest of the soccer world. You can try to dissect its complexity by watching the film here.

1. Pelé (2021)

Few have overcome the game of soccer as the Brazillian legend Pelé, who precedes legendary generational icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Directed by Ben Nicholas and David Tryhorn, the documentary ‘Pelé’ reflects on the 12-year golden age of the legendary superstar and how the teenage sensation evolved into a hero among his people eventually. While several can claim to have changed the face of soccer, Pelé’s lasting imagery as the greatest soccer player ever only raises more validity to his argument. Being the only player to win three World Cup championships, the film illustrates how he transcended to become more than just a man in the hearts and minds of the Brazilian people despite the difficulties of the era. It is a meditation on what defines greatness in the arena of sports and a look into one of soccer’s undisputed legends, which is available for streaming here. Read More: Best Sports Documentaries On Netflix