The Best Football Films based on true Football Stories

 

Football films based on true events are not as common as we might hope, but the few that exist certainly stand out as some of the best.

Unlike American football or basketball films, football (or soccer, as it's called in the U.S.) hasn't gained the same level of popularity or production in Hollywood. That’s understandable, given the sport’s limited appeal in the U.S. historically. However, with the country set to co-host the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup next year, more football films should be produced to build the hype and capture the spirit of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Football movies have the unique ability to explore stories on and off the pitch — from a fan's perspective to tales centred around players, managers, or even lesser-known supporting characters. The following list focuses solely on those based on true events, highlighting the personal conflicts, dressing room dynamics, and emotional journeys that define real football legends.

As we enjoy this off-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, here’s a look at some of the best football films from around the world.

Maradona: The Hand of God (2007)

When it comes to football biopics, few players have had a life as dramatic and controversial as Diego Maradona. This Italo-Argentine production, directed by Marco Risi and starring Marco Leonardi as the adult Maradona, tells the story of the legendary number 10 — from his tough childhood and early days at Argentinos Juniors to his peak at Napoli and eventual downfall after the 1994 World Cup doping scandal.

While the film does a decent job as a biopic, it only briefly touches on many key footballing moments. Leonardi’s performance is average and doesn’t quite capture Maradona’s charisma or complexity, though he does resemble the Argentine icon in his 20s.

Writer’s rating: 6/10

Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)

If Argentina has a Maradona film, Brazil has its own version for Pelé — with a bigger production team, this time from the U.S. Produced by Imagine Entertainment (co-founded by Ron Howard), and directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, the film stars Kevin de Paula as young Pelé, alongside Vincent D’Onofrio as manager Vicente Feola and Rodrigo Santoro. Pelé even makes a cameo appearance.

Despite the names involved, the film didn’t quite hit the mark. It was criticised for lacking emotional depth and a compelling narrative. The performances were serviceable, but not memorable.

Writer’s rating: 6.5/10

Heleno (2011)

This Brazilian film stands out as one of the few football biopics to explore the dark side of stardom. It tells the story of Heleno de Freitas, the flamboyant yet troubled striker of Botafogo and Brazil in the 1940s. A gifted player and prolific scorer, Heleno’s career was cut short by his self-destructive lifestyle — full of excess, conflict, and health problems — and he died at just 39.

Rodrigo Santoro gives a brilliant performance as the volatile forward. Shot in black-and-white and directed by José Henrique Fonseca, the film portrays the paradox of Heleno's potential and his personal demons — a cautionary tale that resonates with the lives of other Brazilian stars like Romario, Ronaldinho, or Neymar, though Heleno’s fall was far steeper.

Writer’s rating: 7/10

Next Goal Wins (2024)

A more lighthearted take on real football events, this Taika Waititi-directed comedy is based on American Samoa’s infamous football struggles. Michael Fassbender stars as Thomas Rongen, the Dutch-American coach hired to help the team recover dismal result in 2011 Pacific Games plus their haunting humiliating record 31–0 loss to Australia in 2001. The goal? Score at least one goal in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Waititi himself appears in a cameo as the island priest. The film follows a familiar underdog story but remains entertaining and heartwarming, focusing more on personal victories, cultural appreciation, and the spirit of the game.

Writer’s rating: 7/10

The Keeper (2018)

This underrated gem tells the story of Bert Trautmann — the former Nazi soldier turned Manchester City goalkeeper. Directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller and starring David Kross, the film explores Trautmann’s journey from POW to hero, as well as his personal challenges, including a family tragedy and playing through a broken neck in the 1956 FA Cup Final.

While some scenes lean more toward drama than sport, The Keeper is a powerful story of redemption and how football helped bridge national divides after World War II. Lev Yashin even once called Trautmann one of the two best keepers of in his time, alongside himself.

Writer’s rating: 8/10

United (2011)

Produced by the BBC, United focuses on the tragic 1958 Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of eight young Manchester United players — the Busby Babes. Directed by James Strong, the film follows the aftermath of the crash through the eyes of Bobby Charlton (Jack O’Connell), Duncan Edwards (Sam Claflin), and assistant manager Jimmy Murphy.

The film highlights how the club, led by Sir Matt Busby, managed to carry on amidst grief and adversity. While originally made for TV, it delivers a well-balanced blend of emotion and sport.

Writer’s rating: 7.5/10

Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (2021)

This Italian Netflix film chronicles the life of Roberto Baggio, the iconic playmaker known as much for his brilliance as for his infamous penalty miss in the 1994 World Cup final. Directed by Letizia Lamartire and starring Andrea Arcangeli, the film avoids a typical rags-to-riches story, instead focusing on Baggio’s resilience, personal faith, and the public backlash he endured.

While some sequences feel rushed, the movie still offers an insightful look into the mind of one of Italy’s most beloved footballers.

Writer’s rating: 6.5/10

See You in Montevideo (2014)

This Serbian film is the sequel to Montevideo, God Bless You! and shifts the focus to the Yugoslavia national team’s campaign in the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup. Returning stars Miloš Biković and Petar Strugar reprise their roles, with Dragan Bjelogrlić again behind the camera.

The story follows team tensions, on-field battles, and off-pitch distractions — including an American businessman (Armand Assante) trying to lure players away with promises of wealth. The film masterfully blends football, drama, and humour while maintaining historical flair.

Writer’s rating: 8.5/10

The Damned United (2009)

No list of football films is complete without this classic based on Brian Clough’s turbulent 44-day stint at Leeds United. Directed by Tom Hooper and adapted from David Peace’s novel, the film stars Michael Sheen as Clough and Timothy Spall as Peter Taylor.

Instead of focusing on football glory, the film zooms in on Clough’s pride, rivalry with Don Revie, and eventual redemption. It’s a gripping character study that feels more like a psychological drama than a typical sports film — and it works brilliantly.

Writer’s rating: 9/10