As the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar moves towards its business end, the thrill of the knockout matches has sparked a football frenzy among fans of the beautiful game all around the globe. We pick five fictional football movies that explore the global football craze by vividly illustrating the human side of iconic footballers, landmark moments in international tournaments and the toxicity of football hooliganism.
Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (2021)
This 2021 Italian biographical sports drama chronicles the life and career of one of Italy’s greatest-ever footballers — Roberto Baggio. The title of the film is derived from the legendary footballer’s nickname which he got due to his ponytail. Directed by Letizia Lamartire, Italian actor Andrea Arcangeli plays the role of Baggio in the film.
Baggio: The Divine Ponytail follows Baggio’s 22-year professional career from his early years to important events, including his life-changing injuries, recuperation, dedication to Buddhist meditation and club career in Italy. Showcasing Baggio’s fervent love for the Azzurri, the movie also explores the pain that haunted the footballer when he missed a crucial penalty against Brazil in the 1994 World Cup final.
Watch it on: Netflix
Pelé: Birth Of A Legend (2016)
Jeff and Michael Zimbalist’s 2016 film is based on the early years of Pele, arguably the greatest footballer on earth. This film is an earnest and moving portrayal of an inspirational journey of a young boy and a nation. The music for the film has been scored by A. R. Rahman. Detailing Pele’s difficult early years in a small Brazilian town, Pelé: Birth Of A Legend traces his passion for the sport, his bond with his father, the influence of street football in his playing style, and his acceptance in the Santos Futebol Clube. It depicts Brazil’s triumphant 1958 World Cup winning campaign, where a 17-year-old Pele played a crucial role in his nation’s success. While the movie predominantly focuses on the spotting aspects, it also touches on weighty subjects like class and race tensions in Brazil in the 1950s.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
Sommeren ‘92 (2015)
Helmed by Kasper Barfoed, this Danish sports drama depicts Denmark’s greatest-ever moment in football — their victory in the 1992 UEFA European Football Championship. The movie features an ensemble cast of Ulrich Thomsen, Mikkel Følsgaard, Hjort Sørensen, Cyron Melville, Esben Smed Jensen and Henning Jensen.
Sommeren ‘92 shows how Richard Moller Nielsen (Played by Ulrich Thomsen) was appointed as national team coach by the Danish Football Association and traces Denmark’s fortunate inclusion in the tournament after Yugoslavia’s dismissal due to political upheavals. The film shows with painstaking detail how an unlikely team pulls off an impossible feat in one of the world’s biggest football tournaments.
Watch it on: MUBI
The Damned United (2009)
This 2009 British sports drama film, starring Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Jim Broadbent, Andy Graham and Maurice Roëves, is a must-watch for fans of the English game. Directed by Tom Hooper, known for helming The King's Speech and The Danish Girl, the movie was adapted by The Crown creator Peter Morgan from David Peace’s bestselling 2006 novel The Damned Utd.
The Damned United follows a largely fictional tale based on legendary British manager Brian Clough’s ill-fated tenure as football manager of Leeds United in 1974. It chronicles Clough’s rise as a manager with Derby County and focuses on his fiery personality, especially his criticism of Leeds United because of their violent and physical style of play under manager Don Revie. The film chronicles Clough’s journey from a former professional player to one of the most-talked-about managers in England before he joined Nottingham Forest.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video Rental
Green Street Hooligans (2005)
Helmed by Lexi Alexander, this 2005 film is a must-watch for all those who are interested in the dark side of the massive fan culture of the game in England. It stars Elijah Wood, Charlie Hunnam, Leo Gregory, Marc Warren and Claire Forlani in lead roles. The film’s name refers to Green Street in London, where West Ham United’s old home stadium, Upton Park, was located.
Green Street Hooligans depicts the widespread football hooliganism in the UK. Matt Buckner (Elijah Wood), a journalism student in America, relocates to London to live with his sister and her family. Matt’s encounter with football hooligan Pete Dunham (Charlie Hunnam) exposes him to a violent football group called Green Street Elite. However, Pete’s childhood friend Bovver (Leo Gregory) is suspicious of Matt’s intentions and unintentionally reignites a longstanding conflict with a rival gang.
Watch it on: YouTube Rental
