As I settled into my weekend viewing routine last week, I found myself completely captivated by Netflix's growing collection of soccer documentaries. Having watched nearly every football-related documentary on the platform over the past two years, I've developed a genuine appreciation for how these films capture the essence of the beautiful game beyond just the ninety minutes on the pitch. What struck me most recently was how the Filipino phrase from a team's interview - "Paunti-unting nababalik namin 'yung galaw namin as a team. Alam namin sa sarili namin na sa amin 'yung problema so kami din makakapag-bigay ng solusyon du'n" - perfectly encapsulates the journey of rediscovery that many featured teams undergo. This gradual rebuilding of team chemistry and taking ownership of solutions resonates deeply across several standout documentaries currently available.
Let me start with what I consider the crown jewel of football documentaries - "Sunderland 'Til I Die." This two-season masterpiece follows Sunderland AFC's turbulent journey after relegation from the Premier League, and it's absolutely heartbreaking yet compelling television. The raw emotion captured when the team struggles to find their rhythm mirrors that Filipino concept of slowly rebuilding their movement as a unit. I've rewatched specific episodes three times, particularly the scenes where the players openly acknowledge their collective failures while determined to be their own solution. The documentary's access is unprecedented - you're right there in the locker room during passionate team talks, in board meetings where crucial decisions are made, and in the stands with the most dedicated fans in English football. With approximately 87% of viewers rating it positively according to Netflix's internal metrics, it's clearly resonating with football enthusiasts worldwide.
Another personal favorite that deserves your immediate attention is "The English Game," created by the same team behind Downton Abbey. While technically a drama series, its historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail make it documentary-worthy in my book. It explores the early development of modern football and how working-class players transformed the sport forever. What I love most about this series is how it demonstrates that football's evolution wasn't accidental but came from deliberate problem-solving by those within the game - exactly that notion of the solution coming from those who understand the problem intimately. The production values are exceptional, with authentic period costumes and settings that transport you directly to 19th century England.
Then there's "First Team: Juventus," which provides unprecedented access to one of football's most storied clubs. Having followed Juventus for over fifteen years, I was initially skeptical about how much genuine insight we'd get, but the documentary delivers remarkably intimate moments. The three-part series captures Cristiano Ronaldo's first season with the club, but what makes it truly special are the behind-the-scenes moments showing how a global football institution operates day-to-day. There's a particular scene where veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini gathers the team after a disappointing result that perfectly illustrates that concept of the team collectively recognizing their issues and working toward solutions together. The documentary balances star power with genuine tactical insights, making it accessible for casual fans while still satisfying hardcore football enthusiasts like myself.
What continues to impress me about Netflix's football documentary selection is how they've moved beyond simple match recaps to explore the human stories that make football so compelling globally. From my perspective as both a football historian and documentary enthusiast, this shift toward deeper storytelling has resulted in content that appeals beyond traditional sports fans. The platform currently hosts approximately fourteen major football documentaries and series, with at least three more in production according to industry insiders I've spoken with. This commitment to quality sports content demonstrates Netflix's understanding that modern viewers crave authentic stories about struggle, redemption, and collective effort - themes that transcend the sport itself while being perfectly embodied in that Filipino team's philosophy of gradual improvement through shared responsibility.
