A sport like football is primarily a passionate celebration, but one that is so massive (economically, politically and socially) that it, of course, also brings many problems. Olallo Rubio's third documentary (and fourth film in total), Ilusión Nacional, is a take on how the world's most popular sport relates to Mexican society and politics.
Germany: A Summer's Fairytale (2006)
A documentary of the German national soccer team’s 2006 World Cup experience that changed the face of modern Germany.
Kroos (2019)
Documentary about German football player Toni Kroos. Features a review of his recent career including his time at FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as well as his participation at FIFA Wold Cups 2014 and 2018.
My Name Is Francesco Totti (2020)
Francesco Totti retraces his entire life while watching it on the silver screen together with the audience. Images and emotions flow among key moments of his career, scenes from his personal life and memories he has never shared before.
Les yeux dans les Bleus (1998)
This documentary follows the French soccer team on their way to victory in the 1998 World Cup in France. Stéphane Meunier spent the whole time filming the players, the coach and some other important characters of this victory, giving us a very intimate and nice view of them, as if we were with them.
Next Goal Wins (2014)
An inspirational story about the power of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and an object lesson in what it really means to be a winner in life.
The Williams (2024)
Many migrants live in search of a mirror in which to recognize themselves; they are not from here, but they are not from there either. Los Williams / The Williams, a feature-length documentary, familiar and sporting, told in first-person by Iñaki and Nico Williams. Two brothers, footballers, Basques and "beltzas" or black, of Ghanaian descent, reveal their incredible tale across the two most crucial years of their lives. From their historic participation in the Qatar World Cup with two different selections, to the long-awaited victory of the Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey after 40 years, and Nico's triumph at the European Championship. Two international stars, face to face with their past and their future, through the conflicts that have marked their lives: racism, identity, frustration, ambition, and success.
Filhos de João, O Admirável Mundo Novo Baiano (2011)
A panorama of Brazilian popular music from the 60s and 70s through the musical group Novos Baianos. A retrospective of the community lifestyle adopted by its members and the influence inherited from singer João Gilberto.
Football Under Cover (2008)
David Asmmann's Football Under Cover documents the hard work involved in setting up an exhibition soccer match, known as a "friendly," between a German girls squad and Iranian women's team. In addition to showing how the two groups come from very different cultures, the documentary showcases what playing the game means to the members of both teams, and displays how passionate the fans of these two squads are.
Pelé (2021)
Against the backdrop of a turbulent era in Brazil, this documentary captures Pelé's extraordinary path from breakthrough talent to national hero. Mixing rare archival footage and exclusive interviews, this documentary celebrates the legendary Brazilian footballer who personified football as art.
Australia (2009)
How do seven young people, former street children from Romania, get to see the Pacific Ocean? On 1 December 2008, a Romanian national team participates for the first time in the Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. The film follows the team from the formation of the squad to the end of the championship. The young people are from Timisoara and Arad, runaway children who now live in abandoned houses or who have managed to get a job and live in rented accommodation after going through orphanages or prisons. After taking a beating from many teams, the young Romanians manage to beat the USA. They are happy. They are all thinking of never going "home" again. It's warm and nice here, the people are nice. "In case I stay, I kissed you all!" says one of them cautiously. But after taking pictures of themselves on the beach with the ocean behind them and beautiful girls by their side, the seven return to Romania and get on with their lives.
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
Halfway between a sports documentary and an conceptual art installation, "Zidane" consists in a full-length soccer game (Real Madrid vs. Villareal, April 23, 2005) entirely filmed from the perspective of soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane.
Maradona by Kusturica (2008)
A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.
Kalvin Phillips: The Road to City (2023)
This is a tale of true determination that took Kalvin Phillips from a working-class estate in Leeds, to the pinnacle of his profession. In 2022, he made the challenging decision to leave his beloved Leeds United and join Manchester City. As he faced the pressures of adjusting to a new team he sustained a serious injury, threatening his inclusion in both Man City and the England World Cup squad
Hillsborough (2016)
A look at the April 15, 1989 tragedy at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, where a stampede in the stadium's standing-room-only areas killed 96 people and injured 766. The film also examines the ongoing efforts of victims' families to seek truth and justice, as well as tangible effects on English football, including stadium upgrades and the emergence of the English Premier League.
Ours (2021)
Ours is a film that speaks to, and speaks up for, football supporters. They have been conspicuous by their absence during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they have been missed in silent stadia. How will they help to shape the future of a game undergoing an existential crisis?
Sukhavati (2024)
RED were the supporters of the football club Anyang LG Cheetahs. The Cheetahs topped the K-league in 2000 but suddenly relocated to Seoul in 2003. Having no team to support, RED had no reason to continue its existence. But rather than accepting defeat, the die-hard members of RED began a fierce, nine-year struggle that finally led to the birth of Anyang’s own football club once again. FC Sukhavati is the story of these football otakus and their home city, of their growth, solidarity and victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)
A look at the life and legend of Sir Alex Ferguson, from his working-class roots in Glasgow through to his career as one of the greatest football managers of all time. While recovering from a traumatic brain haemorrhage in 2018, Sir Alex intimately recounts vivid details of his life and career to his son, including his legendary 26-year tenure as manager of Manchester United.