The World Cup is right around the corner. But if you’re as excited as we are, then you probably think it can’t come soon enough.
But don’t worry. While we wait, there are plenty of football movies to keep us at bay.
These are five of our favorite ones that we’re sure will get you in the World Cup mood.
1. Pelé: Birth of a Legend
Let’s start off strong—with one of the OGs, Pelé himself.
Pelé: Birth of a Legend tells the story of the legendary Brazilian football player, Pelé. He is regarded by many as one of the greatest football players of all time. In fact, FIFA has even called him ”the greatest”. Which is valid.
He led Brazil to three World Cup championships. And this movie is an autobiographical account of his life, and the journey it took him to get to that point.
2. Diego Maradona
Since we started off strong, let’s keep going. Diego Maradona is definitely a must-see documentary before the World Cup hits this year.
Only released three years ago, the documentary takes a look at the career of one of the world’s most revered footballers: Diego Maradona. The Argentine football player and manager, like Pelé, led his team to the World Cup trophy on three occasions.
His presence on the field is unparalleled, and this documentary captures that. Once you’ve finished both this and Pelé: Birth of a Legend, you tell us, who do you think is the greatest?
3. Ronaldo
Or maybe your choice isn’t among those two. Ronaldo is a documentary about the career of yet another football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
From Manchester United, to Real Madrid, to Juventus, and of course, the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has played all kinds of football. And some would argue, this makes him one of, if not the best player of our generation.
Judge for yourself after watching this documentary that captures the champion’s career. Or better yet, see him in action playing for Portugal in the World Cup this year.
4. Messi
Alright, since we mentioned Ronaldo, we have to mention Lionel Messi’s own documentary, entitled after his name.
Messi is a documentary film that also highlights the life of another player in the running for greatest of all time. The FC Barcelona legend has won the Ballon d’Or (France Football’s annual award for best player of the year) eight times.
Pitted many times against Ronaldo, tell us who you think is more deserving of the ’GOAT’ title. Or maybe you’ll be able to see at the World Cup too.
5. Goal!
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve basically given yourself a crash course on some of the World Cup legends. Congratulations. Now, for a classic that you can simply enjoy (without the stress of choosing a side in the GOAT debate)
Goal! is one of the most iconic and memorable football movies ever made. Released in 2005, the film is about a football player, Santiago, who dreams of becoming a professional. But, his family would rather than he earn a livelihood and support their family.
In the movie, he is faced with the dilemma of choosing which side he wishes to be on. It’s a classic, and it will definitely wrap up all the emotions that come with watching sports movies.
We know there are a lot of other football movies not on this list, so tell us: which one is your favorite?