Football films you didn’t know about

Football series are essential entertainment these days, just like video games or films. Our passion for the beautiful game continues. These days, we see training routines being posted every day for footballers in lockdown – and for those who aren’t, of course. Exercising and eating healthily are essential these days, but hey, it’s not all going to be about sport (or is it…?). Many of you, with no idea when we’ll be back on the football pitches, are looking after your boots, whilst our goalkeepers are keeping their gloves spotless, and those of you who play five-a-side are wondering which pair of futsal boots you’ll be getting next. Well, taking a bit of a break from all that, here are the must-watch football films and series to catch up on these days.

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GOAL!

In 2006, Kuno Becker starred in the first instalment of the Goal! trilogy, a series of films telling the story of Santiago Múñez, a young undocumented immigrant in the United States who fulfils his dream of turning professional with the help of a scout from Newcastle United. Despite receiving a harsh reception from critics, the film was a huge box-office hit with audiences, and in the second instalment, Múñez wears the Real Madrid jersey. As many of you know, Múñez was not the only star, as Raúl González, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and David Beckham all appeared in this great trilogy.

VICTORY 

One of the best football films, if not the best. Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Max von Sydow appear in it; the footballers taking part include real-life stars such as Pelé, the Englishmen Bobby Moore and Mike Summerbee, the Argentine Osvaldo Ardiles, the Pole Kazimierz Deyna and the Belgian Paul Van Himst. This story is inspired by the legendary ‘Match of Death’, played in the midst of the Second World War, in which a team of Ukrainian players faced a selection from the Third Reich under the threat of execution should they defeat their Nazi opponents.

THE CLASS OF '92

David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt formed one of the most influential generations of footballers to wear the Manchester United jersey: the famous ‘Class of ’92’. This British documentary tells the story of the ‘Red Devils’, who won multiple titles in the 1990s, highlighting their friendship both on and, above all, off the pitch. It also features Eric Cantona.

CRISTIANO RONALDO OR LEO MESSI?

Can you imagine, for a moment, stepping into Cristiano Ronaldo’s football boots? The documentary delves into the most personal aspects of the Portuguese star’s life, whilst also looking back at his personal achievements. And, to continue with the metaphor, we step into Leo Messi’s boots and delve into the most important events of his life: from signing his contract on a napkin to being crowned the world’s best player. Directed by Alex de la Iglesia, the film features various interviews with figures from the world of football, alongside some previously unseen footage from his life.

TUDO O NADA SELEÇAO BRASILEIRA

The series consists of five one-hour episodes and follows the players wearing the Brazilian national team’s jersey from the inside as they went on to win the Copa América in 2019, with exclusive access to the changing rooms at various stages of the tournament. The series shows the team’s day-to-day life on and off the pitch, right up to the climax of their great victory and triumph in the Copa América final.