As I settled into my couch last weekend with Netflix open, I realized how much soccer documentaries have reshaped my understanding of the game. I used to think of football as just 90 minutes of tactics and goals, but these films opened my eyes to the human stories, the struggles, and the raw emotion behind the sport. Over the years, I've watched dozens, but there are 10 standout documentaries on Netflix that truly transformed how I see soccer—not just as a fan, but as someone who appreciates the deeper narratives of teamwork, resilience, and cultural impact. One quote that stuck with me, from a coach in a lesser-known film, echoes this: "Paunti-unting nababalik namin 'yung galaw namin as a team. Alam namin sa sarili namin na sa amin 'yung problema so kami din makakapag-bigay ng solusyon du'n." It translates roughly to "Little by little, we're regaining our rhythm as a team. We know the problem lies with us, so we're also the ones who can provide the solution." That mindset—owning the issue and fixing it collectively—is a thread that runs through many of these documentaries, and it's something I've come to admire deeply.

Let's start with "Sunderland 'Til I Die," a series that hits close to home for me because it mirrors my own experiences in local club management. I remember binge-watching the first season in one sitting, amazed by how it captures the agony and ecstasy of a team fighting relegation. The stats alone are staggering—Sunderland had a budget of over £70 million in the 2017-18 season, yet they struggled with consistency, much like how that quote emphasizes internal accountability. What I love about this documentary is its raw honesty; it doesn't shy away from showing the boardroom dramas and fan frustrations, making it a must-watch for anyone who thinks football is just about the players on the pitch. Similarly, "The English Game" delves into the origins of modern soccer, and while it's a dramatized series, it taught me about the class divides that shaped the sport. I've always been a sucker for historical context, and this one made me appreciate how far we've come—from amateur roots to a global phenomenon with an estimated 4 billion fans worldwide.

Another personal favorite is "First Team: Juventus," which I stumbled upon during a trip to Italy. It focuses on the 2017-18 season, and I was blown away by the behind-the-scenes access to legends like Gianluigi Buffon. The documentary highlights how a top-tier club manages pressure and expectations, something I've seen in my own work with youth academies. For instance, Juventus reportedly spends around €200 million annually on player salaries, but what stood out to me was their emphasis on mental resilience—exactly what that Filipino quote embodies. Then there's "Baggio: The Divine Ponytail," a film that tugs at the heartstrings. As someone who played semi-pro in my twenties, I related to Baggio's journey of redemption after his infamous penalty miss in the 1994 World Cup. It's a reminder that even the greats have flaws, and it's how they bounce back that defines them. I'd argue this is one of the most underrated docs on Netflix, with viewership numbers I'd estimate at over 5 million streams since its release, though Netflix keeps exact figures under wraps.

Moving to grittier tales, "The Two Escobars" is a masterpiece that blends soccer with socio-political drama. I first watched it with a group of friends, and we spent hours discussing how it reveals the dark side of the sport in 1990s Colombia. The film shows how drug cartels influenced teams like Atlético Nacional, and it's a stark contrast to the uplifting message in that quote about teamwork. Yet, it reinforces the idea that solutions must come from within—whether it's a team or a nation. On a lighter note, "Pelé" is a biographical doc that I've rewatched multiple times. Pelé's story of rising from poverty to score 1,283 career goals is inspirational, and it aligns with my belief that soccer can be a force for social change. I particularly enjoyed the archival footage, which gave me chills as I recalled my own childhood idolizing him.

Wrapping up, these 10 documentaries—including others like "Diego Maradona" and "This Is Football"—have not only entertained me but also deepened my appreciation for the game's complexities. They show that soccer isn't just about winning; it's about the journey, the community, and the relentless pursuit of solutions, much like that poignant quote suggests. From a personal standpoint, I'd recommend starting with "Sunderland 'Til I Die" if you're new to the genre, as it's a perfect blend of drama and reality. Ultimately, these films have changed my perspective by highlighting the universal truths of teamwork and resilience, and I'm confident they'll do the same for you. So grab some popcorn, fire up Netflix, and get ready to see soccer in a whole new light.