7 Football Films To Watch Before Maidaan

Team FC

Shaolin Soccer (2001)

One of Hong Kong's most successful films; a Shaolin follower assembles his 5 friends so that they can use their otherworldly martial arts skills to play footbal and popularise Shaolin Kung-Fu.

Goal! (2005)

A poor Mexican busboy Santiago pursues his dream of playing professional football against his father's wishes, and he is scouted by Newcastle United, where he struggles to fit in; will he thrive against the odds? Made in cooperation with FIFA, it features several actual footballers including Ronaldo!

Sudani from Nigeria (2018)

Majeed, a football manager, recruits three Nigerian footballers for his team. When one of his players is injured, Majeed lets him stay at his house, and over time, they develop a strong bond.

The Damned United (2009)

The film charts the rise, fall and rise of a young Brian Clough alongside his brash and growing rivalry with legendary Leeds boss Don Revie. Based on a novel on the deeply flawed hero that Clough is.

Escape to Victory (1989)

Allied prisoners of war planning a daring escape from a Nazi POW camp when the German soccer team decides to play a match against the prisoners. 

Bend It Like Becham (2002)

A movie beloved by both fans and critics, it follows teenager Jesminder ‘Jess’ Bhamra, who rebels against her conservative Indian Sikh parents by joining a local football team, and finds her passion and friendhsip.

Looking for Eric (2009)

When Eric the postman, who loves football, falls into a crisis, he gets advice from a footballer-turned-philosopher. This film is more so about the relationship between the sport and its fans rather than football itself, and the humanity of the celebrities it produces.

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