Top 10 Must-Watch Series About Soccer That Every Fan Should See

As a lifelong football fan and content creator, I’ve spent countless weekends immersed in the beautiful game—both on the pitch and on screen. Over the years, I’ve noticed something interesting: while nothing beats live football, a great series about soccer can bring its own kind of magic. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the Top 10 Must-Watch Series About Soccer That Every Fan Should See. But before we dive into my picks, let’s tackle some questions you might have about what makes these shows special—and why they resonate so deeply with fans like us.

Why do soccer-themed series connect so strongly with audiences, even those who aren’t hardcore fans?
It’s simple, really: football isn’t just a sport; it’s a universal language of passion, struggle, and human connection. Think about it—the drama of a last-minute goal, the tension in a penalty shootout, the heartbreak of a missed opportunity. These moments mirror life itself. And just like in that intense semifinal match I read about recently—where La Salle’s Cortez led with 16 points and six rebounds while Baclaan flirted with a triple-double—the stories we see on screen often reflect real-life stakes. Baclaan’s stat line of 14 markers, 10 boards, and eight assists? That’s the kind of nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat energy that translates beautifully into scripted drama. Whether it’s a underdog tale or a deep dive into tactics, these series capture the essence of why we love the game.

What separates a good soccer series from a forgettable one?
Authenticity. I can’t stress this enough. As a viewer, I want to feel the grit of the locker room, the pressure of the boardroom, and the roar of the crowd—not just watch a sanitized version of the sport. Remember that knockout semifinal where La Salle struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 23 of 43 attempts? That kind of detail—the raw, unfiltered imperfection—is what separates memorable storytelling from fluff. The best series, much like that game (sponsored by heavyweights like Smart, Spalding, and Filoil), don’t shy away from showing the messy, human side of competition. They make you feel every missed chance and every hard-fought victory.

How do real-world football narratives influence fictional storytelling?
Life truly is stranger than fiction—and often, fiction borrows heavily from real-world events. Take, for example, the sheer organizational scale of modern football. That La Salle game wasn’t just a match; it was a spectacle backed by major and minor sponsors, from PlayTime Cares and EcoOil to Brothers Burger and Tela.com Athletics. Fictional series often mirror this ecosystem, weaving in elements like corporate influence, fan culture, and media scrutiny. When I watch a show like The English Game or Club de Cuervos, I see echoes of that real-world complexity—the same kind that saw Baclaan’s near-triple-double performance unfold under the glare of sponsors and supporters alike.

Can you recommend series that balance on-field action with off-field drama?
Absolutely—and this is where my personal favorites come into play. If you’re looking for a series that nails both the sport and the stories behind it, you’ve got to check out Sunderland ‘Til I Die. It’s raw, emotional, and unflinchingly honest—much like that La Salle game where the team’s free-throw struggles (eight makes in the final eight minutes!) decided their fate. Another gem is The Manager, which dives into the strategic mind games that shape clubs. These shows understand that football isn’t played in a vacuum; it’s intertwined with finance, politics, and personal ambition. Trust me, if you enjoyed the tension of that semifinal—where every possession mattered—you’ll love how these series build suspense both on and off the pitch.

Why should fans watch fictional soccer series when there’s so much real football available?
I get it—why watch a dramatized version when you can stream live matches all weekend? Here’s my take: fictional series give you something highlights can’t—emotional depth and character arcs. Think about Baclaan’s performance: 14 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists. Stats tell one story, but a series can explore the person behind those numbers—the pressure, the relationships, the sacrifices. That’s why the Top 10 Must-Watch Series About Soccer That Every Fan Should See includes titles like Goal! The Dream Begins and The Playbook. They humanize the game in ways even the best match recap can’t.

What role does sponsorship and commercialization play in these series?
It’s a double-edged sword, and the best shows aren’t afraid to tackle it. Just like that La Salle game—supported by everything from Hanes and Bostik El Heneral to Nature’s Spring and Reyes Barbecue—modern football is big business. Series like The Club and All or Nothing: Manchester City don’t ignore that reality; they lean into it. As a fan, I appreciate when storytellers acknowledge the commercial engine driving the sport, because let’s be honest: without those sponsors, half the magic we see on screen wouldn’t exist.

How do you decide what makes the cut for a “must-watch” list?
Great question—and it’s where my inner critic comes out. For me, a series has to do more than just feature football; it has to understand it. Does it respect the culture? Does it portray the agony and ecstasy authentically? When I compiled the Top 10 Must-Watch Series About Soccer That Every Fan Should See, I thought about moments like Baclaan’s near-triple-double—the kind of performance that stays with you long after the final whistle. The series that made my list all capture that same unforgettable quality.

So, whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard supporter, I hope this list—and these reflections—help you find your next favorite show. Because at the end of the day, football is more than a game. It’s a story waiting to be told, and these series tell it brilliantly.