Need something to help pass the time during the European soccer winter break, or maybe you’ve been forced to quarantine, or you need something to save you from spending any more time with the in-laws?
We’ve got just what you need.
Below is a list — in no particular order or ranking — of some of the newer and timeless football-focused TV shows, documentaries, and popular watches released since 2018 to keep you company.
MORE: World Cup every two years? It could happen.
Pele (Netflix, 2021)
Documentary — 1 hour, 48 mins
Against the backdrop of a turbulent era in Brazil, this documentary captures Pele’s extraordinary path from breakthrough talent to national hero.
FC Bayern: Behind the Legend (Amazon Prime, 2021)
Docu Series — 1 season, 6 episodes
For the first time in its history, FC Bayern Munich gives unfettered access to the locker room and behind the scenes. The six-part series covers the turbulent season after its Champions League triumph, celebrating the legendary victories from the past, and linking momentous events in Bayern’s history to the current team.
Black and White Stripes (Paramount+, 2018)
Documentary — 1 hour, 48 mins
Black and White Stripes tells the epic story of Italy’s legendary Agnelli family and their beloved Juventus F.C., as they aim to capture an elusive gold star in order to avert annihilation. On and off the field it’s love, war and breathtaking cinema and as the journey unfolds, the film reveals game-changers from the club’s legacy.
Ted Lasso (AppleTV+, 2020-21)
Series — 2 seasons, 22 episodes total
It’s unlikely that you’ve gone this long without hearing about Ted Lasso, the American college football coach unexpectedly recruited to coach an English Premier League team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience coaching soccer.
The team’s owner, Rebecca Welton, hires Lasso hoping he would fail, as a means of exacting revenge on the previous owner, her unfaithful ex-husband. However, Ted’s charm, personality, and humor begin to win over Rebecca, the team, and those who had been skeptical about his appointment.
The English Game (Netflix, 2020)
Series — 1 season, 6 episodes
The story of the invention of football and how it quickly rose to become the world’s most popular game by crossing class divides.
This is Football (Amazon Prime, 2019)
Docu Series — 1 season, 6 episodes
A documentary series that captures the emotions, stories, passions and triumphs surrounding the international sport of football.
Apache: The Life of Carlos Tevez (Netflix, 2019)
Docu Series — 1 season, 8 episodes
This gritty dramatization of the life of Carlos Tevez shows his rise to soccer stardom amid the harrowing conditions in Argentina’s Fuerte Apache.
Take Us Home: Leeds United (Amazon Prime, 2019-20)
Docu Series — 2 seasons, 8 episodes total
English football’s famous ‘fallen giant’ Leeds United is at the start of a journey: to win promotion back to the Premier League. New owner Andrea Radrizzani has recruited a world-class head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, to lead the team back to the promised land.
All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur (Amazon Prime, 2020)
Docu Series — 1 season, 9 episodes
Go behind the scenes of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club during one of the most defining seasons in its history. Chairman Daniel Levy makes the mid-season decision to sack manager Mauricio Pochettino and hire Jose Mourinho. Players including Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane fight to put the club among Europe’s elite against the backdrop of the global coronavirus crisis.
Sunderland ‘Til I Die (Netflix, 2018-20)
Docu Series — 2 seasons, 14 episodes total
Follow English soccer club Sunderland through the 2017-18 season as the Black Cats try to bounce back from relegation from the Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give in (Paramount+, 2021)
Documentary – 1 hour, 49 mins
A look at the life and legend of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson with archival footage never before published. It’s a film directed by Ferguson’s son, Jason, with insight from his wife, Lady Cathy Ferguson, and his other sons. Other voices include former players Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Gordon Strachan, and Archie Knox.
Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (Netflix, 2021)
Drama — 1 hour, 32 mins
The story of Roberto Baggio, one of the best soccer players of all-time, including his career highs, triumphs over injuries and discovery of Buddhism.
Boca Juniors Confidential (Netflix, 2018)
Docu Series — 1 seasons, 4 episodes
A closer look at Boca Juniors’ players, fans and staff to the club’s day-to-day with the goal of once again winning the Argentinean league, the Superliga.
First Team: Juventus (Netflix, 2018)
Docu Series — 1 seasons, 6 episodes
Follow Juventus on and off the pitch as the club attempts to win a seventh straight Italian title and achieve Champions League glory.
Sonsational (Amazon Prime, 2021)
Documentary — 1 hour, 28 mins (NOTE: Geographic restrictions)
South Korean footballing megastar Son Heung-min has rapidly become one of Asia’s most famous exports. Follow Son’s journey from childhood to his first professional contract in Germany, his move to the Premier League with Spurs, and all the highs and lows along the way.
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