If you’re a soccer fan, then there are a few better, more entertaining, more satisfying ways to unwind than grabbing the popcorn, crashing out on the sofa, and getting stuck into a good soccer movie.
Sure, you’ve probably seen all the classics up until now, but what about the others? Where do you go from here?
This guide is here to help, as today we’re diving into our top soccer movies every football fan must watch at least once in their life.
We Must Go
Kickstarting this list, we’re opting for a classic movie you’re not going to want to miss. After being fired by the United States Men's National Team in 2011, Bob Bradley became the coach of the Egyptian national team.
Despite the revolt against the Egyptian government, the slaughter in Port Said, and widespread instability, Egyptians were united by one thing: Egypt's return to the 2014 World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
This is an intense, dramatic, and tragic narrative about Bradley and his young team coming so close to achieving their objective. Bradley, the current head coach of LAFC, is the bravest coach in the history of American soccer.
Maradona
There’s no doubt that director Asif Kapadia has created the best documentary on Diego Armando Maradona ever made. There have been many videos about one of the best players in the history of the game, but this one is truly remarkable.
This docudrama focuses on Maradona's difficult tenure at Napoli when he delivered Serie A trophies and was admired by Neapolitans all over the world.
Kapadia possessed hundreds of hours of never-before-seen material. But, as with so much in his life, his brilliance on the field landed him into problems off it.
Hands down one of the best soccer films of all time.
Damned United
Brian Clough is, without a doubt, England's greatest manager.
“He won two European Cups with Nottingham Forest, as well as league titles with both Nottingham Forest and Derby County, all while making everyone laugh. This film, starring Michael Sheen, is about his controversial 44-day reign as Leeds United manager. Sabotage, player revolts, and intense team meetings This is top-notch entertainment, just like Brian Clough's outspoken genius,” explains Derek Harper, a sports blogger at Best British Essays and Revieweal.
Bend It Like Beckham
Okay, this is a movie that doesn’t really need an introduction. It’s a classic, and if you’re a fan or you’re hanging out with a football fan, then this is a movie you need to watch. It’s fun, entertaining, eye-opening, and just heart-warming from start to finish.
Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra feature as promising young female footballers in London, as their team proves they belong over all obstacles.
Curling free kicks like David Beckham's famous right foot are still the major goal for every young English lady and boy growing up, making this a really inspirational film.
She’s the Man
Hand in hand with the movie above, She’s the Man is another classic beloved soccer movie that you’re going to want to watch if you’re looking for something fun and light-hearted.
“Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum feature in this comedy about high school soccer, in which Bynes pretends to be a boy in order to play on the varsity squad, but the journey is not without drama. Another inspiring story of women demonstrating that old attitudes are no longer acceptable in the beautiful game,” explains Joseph McDonald, a lifestyle blogger at Elite assignment help and UK Writings.
Kicking and Screaming
If you want another fun soccer movie, this is ideal and a great family watch. As a part-owner of LAFC, Will Ferrell is a rising figure in the soccer world, and this film is a great blend of his comedy talent and his passion for the game.
Ferrell evolves into a coach captivated by the game while coaching a team of underdogs that includes his young kid.
Was this the source of Ted Lasso's inspiration?
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This should easily be enough movies to keep you going for now, and it doesn’t matter what mood you’re in, there should be a movie that will keep you entertained while fulfilling your love for the beautiful game.
What’s more, if you race through these movies, just look for recommendations in line with this to find even more great movies that will make your day!
Christina Lee is a movie lover and critic writer at Thesis writing and Do my assignment. She writes about her favourite movies, the impact they have on society and help fans discover the amazing world of cinema, as well as writing on sites like Studydemic and others.
