The Best Netflix Football Series You Need to Watch Right Now

As I settled into my couch last weekend, remote in hand and a fresh bowl of popcorn beside me, I found myself scrolling endlessly through Netflix's ever-expanding catalog. It struck me how the streaming giant has become a treasure trove for football enthusiasts, offering everything from hard-hitting documentaries to inspiring fictional series. Having spent the better part of two decades covering sports media and analyzing coaching methodologies, I've developed a keen eye for what makes football content truly compelling. Today I want to share my personal picks for the best football series currently available on Netflix - the kind of content that doesn't just entertain but genuinely enhances your understanding of the beautiful game.

Let me start with what I consider the crown jewel of Netflix's football programming: "The English Game." Created by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame, this period drama explores the origins of modern football in 19th century England. What makes this series particularly fascinating from my perspective is how it captures the socioeconomic tensions that shaped the sport's early development. The series beautifully illustrates how football transformed from an elite pastime to a working-class passion. I've always been drawn to historical contexts in sports, and "The English Game" delivers this with remarkable authenticity. The production values are absolutely stunning, with meticulous attention to period details that transport you right into Victorian England. While some critics argued about historical accuracy in certain scenes, I found the dramatic liberties taken actually enhanced the storytelling without compromising the essential truths about football's evolution.

Then there's "Sunderland 'Til I Die," which I believe represents the gold standard for football documentaries. This series provides such raw, unfiltered access to a football club in crisis that at times it feels almost intrusive to watch. Having followed Sunderland's actual season while filming was underway, I was amazed at how the documentary captured the emotional rollercoaster of a historic club fighting for survival. The scene where manager Chris Coleman learns about potential transfer restrictions remains one of the most genuine moments I've ever seen in sports television. What makes this series particularly compelling is how it demonstrates the complex ecosystem of a football club - from the boardroom negotiations to the kitchen staff preparing pre-match meals. It's a masterclass in sports storytelling that goes far beyond what happens on the pitch.

Now, I know some purists might question including "Club de Cuervos" in a list of football series, but this Mexican comedy-drama deserves attention for how brilliantly it satirizes football club ownership while delivering genuine emotional depth. The series follows the sibling rivalry between Chava and Isabel Iglesias as they battle for control of their late father's football club. What I love about this show is how it balances outrageous humor with surprisingly sharp commentary about football politics and family dynamics. Having consulted with several football club executives throughout my career, I can confirm that while the situations are exaggerated for comedy, the underlying tensions and power struggles ring absolutely true. The series ran for four seasons and developed such a passionate following that Netflix reportedly invested approximately $4 million per episode in its final season.

This brings me to an interesting parallel with our reference point about Coach Shaq delos Santos facing numerous changes in his coaching career. We see similar transitional themes explored in Netflix's "The Playbook," where legendary coaches like Jill Ellis and José Mourinho discuss navigating career-defining moments. I've always been fascinated by how coaches adapt to changing circumstances, and this series provides incredible insight into their thought processes. There's a particular segment where Mourinho discusses his Chelsea departure that reminded me of the challenges Coach delos Santos might be facing - that constant balancing act between tactical philosophy and player management. Having interviewed over three dozen coaches throughout my career, I can confirm that the perspectives shared in "The Playbook" align closely with what I've observed in successful coaching transitions.

Another personal favorite that often flies under the radar is "First Team: Juventus," which provides unprecedented access to one of football's most storied clubs. What makes this series stand out for me is how it captures the daily routines of world-class athletes. The footage of Gianluigi Buffon's leadership in the dressing room or Paulo Dybala's recovery from injury offers insights you simply can't get from match broadcasts. I've used clips from this series in several coaching seminars I've conducted, particularly the segments showing how Juventus integrates new signings into their tactical system. The production quality is exceptional throughout, with camera work that makes you feel like you're part of the training sessions.

Let me also mention "Barca Academy," which explores FC Barcelona's famous youth development system. As someone who's visited La Masia twice and written extensively about youth development models, I can attest to how accurately this series captures the club's philosophy. The focus on technical development over physicality, the emphasis on decision-making, and the psychological aspects of nurturing young talent are all portrayed with remarkable authenticity. There's a scene where a 14-year-old prospect struggles with homesickness that perfectly illustrates the human element often overlooked in youth development discussions.

What continues to impress me about Netflix's football content is how it caters to different aspects of fandom. Casual viewers can enjoy the dramatic storylines, while hardcore enthusiasts like myself can appreciate the tactical insights and behind-the-scenes access. The platform has reportedly invested over $200 million in sports-related content since 2018, and the quality shows in every frame. As someone who consumes football media professionally, I'm particularly impressed by how Netflix balances entertainment value with substantive content that actually enhances your understanding of the game.

As I wrap up this personal tour through Netflix's football offerings, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with sports storytelling in the first place. These series do more than just document games and players - they capture the human drama, the strategic complexities, and the cultural significance of football. Whether you're looking for historical context in "The English Game," raw emotion in "Sunderland 'Til I Die," or satirical takes in "Club de Cuervos," there's something for every type of football fan. The next time you find yourself scrolling through Netflix unsure what to watch, I highly recommend starting with any of these series. They've not only entertained me during countless evenings but have genuinely enriched my understanding of the sport I've dedicated my career to studying.