I t’s not exactly the most thrilling time to be a football fan at the moment. No live games to go to or even watch and very little activity regarding football clubs other than matters related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has ground most sports and the wider world in general to a halt.

However, fortunately for us, on-demand and streaming services do have plenty of options to make sure you can continue to get some kind of football fix while the game itself is on hold. Whether it be Hollywood football films, dramatic TV shows, Netflix classics or fly-on-the-wall documentaries, there is something for every football fan to enjoy.

Here is our selection of 21 football films, football documentaries and football TV shows to keep you entertained and get you through lockdown…

Sunderland ‘Til I Die

(Available on Netflix)

This brilliant fly-on-the-wall documentary gives you unique access into the running and operating of Sunderland during their last two seasons (2017-18, 2018-19). The feature includes contributions from all aspects of people connected with Sunderland, including the key members of the board, staff, players and of course fans.

Any British football fan will likely be aware of the drama that Sunderland have endured over these two seasons and you are given a fascinating insight into how key decisions are made, ranging from transfers to even the music system.

The English Game

(Available on Netflix)

The English Game is a mini-series that tells the story of how football became the game it is and how the game crossed divides between classes to grow into the world’s most popular sport.

The story is based on the game in the 1880s and focuses on Arthur Kinnaird (Played by Edward Holcroft) of Old Etonians, an upper-class football team and Fergus Suter (played by Kevin Guthrie) of Blackburn, a working-class team. The series is written and executively produced by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellows.

Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager

(Available on Netflix)

More Than A Manager is a documentary detailing the life and career of one of the most loved and respected managers in the game, the late Sir Bobby Robson.

The film gives you a look at how Robson overcame health issues to embark on a vast managerial career including his time at Ipswich, Barcelona, PSV, England and his beloved Newcastle United. If you didn’t know how highly Robson is thought of before the documentary you will after as it includes interviews and contributions from some of football’s most successful stars including Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo

(Available on Netflix or Amazon Prime)

Ronaldo focuses on the career of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best football players in the world today and arguably of all time. Not only does the film offer you a glimpse into what drives Ronaldo and makes him one of the best, but it also gives you access to the more personal side of Ronaldo. His relationship with his family and in particular his son is on full display, giving you a look at a more down to earth character than maybe he has been viewed as before.

SEE ALSO: Ronaldo, Messi or Neymar – who is the world’s most marketable footballer?

Rooney: The Man Behind the Goals

(Available on Netflix)

Similar to the Ronaldo documentary, this is a piece made by the BBC that gives you a previously unseen look at the life and career of Wayne Rooney. Rooney allowed cameras into his home to film both him and his family while chatting openly to former England forward Gary Lineker about his early career up to 2015.

Additional contributions are made from key figures throughout Rooney’s career including Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

Barça Dreams

(Available on Netflix or DVD)

For any fan of Spanish football or just a high appreciation for the way football is played Barça Dreams is a must see. The two hour documentary explores the history of FC Barcelona and goes into depth on their famous La Masia academy, their Catalonian identity and the philosophy of how Barcelona play today.

As you may expect this feature includes insight from some of Barcelona’s most legendary figures including Lionel Messi, Xavi and Johan Cruyff.

Next Goal Wins

(Available on Amazon Prime)

This documentary tells a story that may not be known to many football fans worldwide as it follows Dutch coach Thomas Rongen as he takes charge of American Samoa. It is a true underdog story as Rongen attempts to lead the team to its first victory in World Cup qualification history.

When Rongen joins, American Samoa are a team known for being one of the worst in international football and hold the record for the largest defeat after they lost 31-0 to Australia in 2001. An enthralling journeyman’s tale.

Antoine Griezmann: The Making of a Legend

(Available on Netflix)

Perhaps not the star you expect to have a documentary made about them. The modestly titled Making of a Legend focuses on the career of France’s World Cup winning star Antoine Griezmann. Starting from his first experiences in football right up to the World Cup win.

This emotional and personal documentary includes thoughts from Griezmann himself and those who are closest to the star.

Manchester City: All or Nothing

(Available on Amazon Prime)

In the same way as Sunderland ‘Til I Die, All or Nothing is a behind the scenes exposé on day-to-day life at Manchester City. In what will be an exciting watch for City fans, the series was filmed during their record breaking 100-point title winning campaign.

It allows you to learn more about the backroom staff, Guardiola’s managerial approach and set up, as well as discussions with some of the key members of City’s side including Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

Green Street

(Available to stream or buy on DVD)

If a bit of fun and entertainment is what you’re after then 2005 British football film Green Street could be just what you’re looking for. The film stars Frodo himself (Elijah Wood) as an American student who has been kicked out of college and goes to stay with his sister. He of course then becomes a football hooligan via the aid of a West Ham firm led by Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam.

Key things to look out for this include the amount of hoolie-chic Stone Island worn and Hunnam’s questionable cockney accent.

Mean Machine

(Available on Netflix)

Another equally mad football film is 2001’s Mean Machine. The film is a British remake of the American film Longest Yard. Its key figure in the film is Danny Meehan, played by Vinnie Jones who is a disgraced ex-footballer who has been sent to prison. Whilst in prison Meehan is tasked with the challenge of training the inmates to eventually be capable of beating the guards in a practice match. Danny Dyer and Jason Statham are just two of actors also involved in this blockbuster.

Becoming Champ10ns

(Available on Netflix)

This series takes a look at the countries that have gone on to lift the World Cup. Each episode focuses on the history of a different country that have become victorious, looking over past tournaments and key games in their World Cup history. Featuring analysis from not only players but also historians and journalists.

The Football Factory

(Available on Amazon Prime)

Not content with just appearing in one football film, Danny Dyer takes on the main role in 2004’s The Football Factory. The film follows Dyer’s character Tommy Johnson and his fellow working-class friends who are part of a Chelsea hooligan firm. Of course, this may have been a conflict of interest for Dyer, who is a life long West Ham United supporter. The film is directed by Nick Love and based on the novel of the same name by John King.

Maradona

(Available to stream or buy on Amazon and Netflix)

This incredibly well put-together documentary by Asif Kapadia is a must watch. Charting Diego Maradona’s life and times, the documentary weaves footage from his career to tell his life story, starting at Napoli where he became a hero and a legend. Maradona paints the protagonist in a completely new light, detailing his involvement with the Comorra, winning the World Cup with Argentina, and the corruption and exploitation he faced that – arguably – ruined his career. Magnificent.

One Night in Turin

(Available on Amazon Prime or Kindle)

One Night in Turin tells the story of one of England’s most memorable tournament performances, Italia ’90. The documentary follows England’s run in the tournament, along with archive footage and interviews from the time. It also looks at how the press reported the team during this period and the conflict faced by English fans and the Italian police.

SEE ALSO: One Night In Turin – film review

This Is Football

(Available on Amazon Prime)

Unlike most other football documentaries, This Is Football doesn’t focus on a specific team or player but instead how football can unite countries and populations through different aspects of the game. Each episode of this emotional six part series focuses on a key theme (Redemption, Belief, Chance, Pride, Love and Wonder) and looks at how football inspires these emotions at all levels of the game, from playing in the streets to watching the best players play.

Make Us Dream

(Available on Amazon Prime or DVD)

Make Us Dream is a documentary focusing on the career of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The feature focuses on his first experiences in football right up to his position as a coach at Liverpool’s academy after his retirement.

A must-see for any Liverpool fan, this is a documentary that doesn’t shy away from the disappointing moments in Gerrard’s career (yes, that slip is included) but also shows the triumphs such as the 2005 Champions League winning campaign.

SEE ALSO: Is Steven Gerrard Liverpool’s greatest ever player?

The Class of ’92

(Available on Amazon Prime or DVD)

If the red side of Merseyside isn’t to your liking, then perhaps this feature length documentary on some of the key players of the red side of Manchester will be for you. Unsurprisingly based on the title, it focuses on the rise of the key members of Manchester United‘s famous Class of ’92: Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.

Old match footage and interviews are all part of the film which bizarrely also includes a brief contribution from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

When English Football Ruled Europe

(Available on YouTube)

This documentary looks at the successful English sides in the seventies and eighties who went on to dominate European football. The episode includes a look at two of the most successful managers to ever manage in British football, Bob Paisley and Brian Clough, and their teams at Liverpool and Nottingham Forest respectively.

Alongside past footage of the teams, there is also recent analysis and discussions from commentators and former players, including Glen Hoddle and Graeme Souness.

Take Us Home: Leeds United

(Available on Amazon Prime)

In the same vein as the Manchester City and Sunderland documentaries, Take Us Home: Leeds United focuses on a season at Leeds United. The 2018-19 season was full of drama and controversy at the club who under the helm of Marcelo Bielsa reached the playoffs.

The neutral fan will be especially interested in episode three which looks at the fallout of the infamous ‘Spygate’.

Tragedy to Triumph: The story of Zambian Football

(Youtube)

A moving short football film charting the Zambian national football team’s story from the tragedy of the 1993 plane crash in Gabon which killed 30 people including 18 national team players on their way to a game, to their rebirth and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

SEE ALSO: Zambia answer the call of destiny – Just Football editor Jonathan Fadugba for FourFourTwo magazine

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