When live football is off during the pre-season and you need a football fix, Netflix is the place to go. There is a wide range of football shows on Netflix which range from exploring the history of football to following teams over a season showing the ups and downs of a club over a season and we will take a look at our favourites.
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Sunderland ‘Til I Die
Sunderland ‘Til I Die followed Sunderland A.F.C. from the inside as a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary during the 2017/18 season during which the club played in the English Championship after being relegated from the Premier League the season before. The series documents all events surrounding the club. Following the first season, a second was released which followed the 2018/19 season. With 14 episodes across 2 seasons, it is the perfect show to keep you entertained. Not only will it give you a football fix, but it is genuinely entertaining and you will likely find yourself emotionally attached hoping for certain outcomes during the show.
The English Game
From the directors of Downton Abbey, The English Game is a historical miniseries which looks at football in the 1870s as a sport for the wealthy before a revolution against the FA rules which aims to change the sport forever through a working-class team. Whilst the historical accuracy of the show has a few inconsistencies, it highlights how football has never stood still. It is certainly one of the most unique football shows on Netflix.
Neymar: The Perfect Chaos
Netflix released Neymar: The Perfect Chaos which is a bibliographic documentary focusing on Neymar Jr, one of the best footballers of all time. Whilst just being a 3 part series, it shows aspects of both success and failure. It takes a look at his football career which has undoubtedly been a success including his transfer from Barcelona to PSG for $263 million in 2017 but it also looks at his off-field problems which have sometimes been the centre of attention over his on-field ability. Whilst showing both sides of Neymar, it gives everyone an interest whether you’re more interested in his off-the-ball antics, or on park magic, it ultimately leaves it up to you to decide whether you love or hate him.
Maradona in Mexico
Certainly one of the more extravagant football shows on Netflix, Maradona in Mexico follows legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona as he takes over a club as manager – however, the club is in the Mexican second division, in a gang-ravaged city. Quotes such as “It’s too crazy to be true” highlights how the show goes as Maradona attempts to rescue the team in turmoil. The show has been both described as a documentary and a compelling drama, making it suitable for more than one audience, even those without a particular interest in football.
First Team: Juventus
Similar to Sunderland Til I Die, First Team: Juventus is a fly-on-the-wall documentary which followed Juventus during the 2017/18 season. It was separated into two parts, the first focuses on the start of the season, the 120-year history celebrations and early Champions League fixtures. The second part featured the later stages of the Champions League and the title race involving Juventus. Both parts featured behind-the-scenes footage and moments with players. It is certainly one of the most popular football shows on Netflix, due to the size of Juventus and availability in different languages.
Becoming Champi10ns
Becoming Champ10ns features 9 episodes, eight of which profile the 8 men’s world cup winning nations. With individual episodes focusing on Uruguay, Italy, Germany, Brazil, England, Argentina, France and Spain and their respective World Cup-winning campaigns throughout the years. These episodes may go back well before your time, unlock memories and inspire nostalgia. It will also give you some useful pub quiz knowledge such as “Who won the FIFA World Cup in 1930?”.
These are our 6 top favourite football shows on Netflix which will help us get through the pre-season without live football every day. These shows offer something for everyone from nostalgic highlights to dramatic shows to going back in time to the beginning of football, there is enough to never get bored whilst immersing yourself in the sport of football.