“The Two Escobars”, 2010
Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Featured in ESPN's 30 for 30 series, this documentary intertwines the lives of Andrés Escobar, a prominent Colombian soccer player, and Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord. It explores the connections between soccer, crime, and politics in Colombia during the 1990s, highlighting the darkest and most compelling aspects of the sport's history in the country.
Starring: María Ester Escobar, Francisco Maturana, Alexis García V., Jaime Gaviria Gómez, Jhon Jairo Velásquez, Rubén Darío Pinilla C., Juan José Bellini, Fernando Rodríguez Mondragón, Eduardo Rojo, Leonel Alvarez;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: documentary, biography, detective, crime, sport;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
“Pelé: Birth of a Legend”, 2015
Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
This biographical film tells the inspiring story of Pelé, from his impoverished childhood in Brazil to his rise to glory at the age of 17, when he led Brazil to its first World Cup victory in 1958. It underscores the deep influence of soccer heroes in shaping the game's history and inspiring future generations.
Starring: Kevin de Paula, Leonardo Lima Carvalho, Seu Jorge, Mariana Nunes, Milton Gonçalves, Seth Michaels, Vincent D'Onofrio, André Mattos, Phil Miler, Rafael Henriques;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: biography, sport, drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Diego Maradona”, 2019
Director: Asif Kapadia
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Asif Kapadia, this documentary centers around the iconic Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona, with the footage focusing on his time at SSC Napoli in the late 1980s. It portrays Maradona's profound impact on the sport and society, delving into his legendary status as well as his controversies and struggles, thus offering a comprehensive look at one of soccer's most complex figures.
Starring: Diego Maradona, Dalma Maradona, Pelé, Corrado Ferlaino, Daniel Bertoni, John Foot, Gonzalo Bonadeo, Gennaro Montuori, Fernando Signorini, Diego Maradona Sr.;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: documentary, sport, biography;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
These films, each in their own way, contribute to the understanding and appreciation of soccer's multifaceted history. From the underdog triumphs to in-depth portraits of soccer legends, they capture the spirit and the passion that make soccer the world's most beloved sport.
In exploring the rich mosaic that is the history of soccer through film, we traverse a landscape that is as varied and fascinating as the game itself. From the humble origins of the sport to its place on the global stage as the most beloved game on the planet, these films serve not only as a testament to the enduring appeal of soccer but also as a mirror reflecting the societal, cultural, and political dimensions inextricably linked to its evolution. They delve into the hearts and minds of players and fans alike, capturing the ecstasy of victory, the agony of defeat, and, most poignantly, the unbreakable spirit that defines the beautiful game. Through their narratives, whether grounded in fact or nourished by fiction, these cinematic works contribute significantly to our understanding and appreciation of soccer, reminding us that beneath the strategy and athleticism lies a powerful story of human connection and passion that transcends borders and language. In this journey through the history of soccer on film, we are reminded that the essence of the game is not merely in the goals scored but in the communities forged and the dreams pursued, making the pitch a stage upon which the drama of humanity plays out in all its glory.
