The Best 2014 Soccer Movies You Can't Miss on Streaming Platforms

I still remember that electric atmosphere in 2014 when soccer fever seemed to grip the entire planet. The World Cup in Brazil wasn't just about matches—it created this cultural moment that spilled over into cinema, giving us some truly remarkable soccer films that still hold up beautifully today. What's fascinating is how these movies capture something essential about fandom that transcends the sport itself, something that reminds me of Valdez's observation about her devout fanbase being "a proud testament of her longevity as a player and the sporting fanbase's growing loyalty and support." These films aren't just entertainment; they're time capsules preserving that unique relationship between athletes and their supporters.

When I first watched "The Game of Their Lives," I was struck by how it managed to convey that raw connection between players and fans. The film chronicles the US team's improbable 1-0 victory over England in the 1950 World Cup, and there's this beautiful moment where you see how the players draw energy from their supporters. It's streaming on Amazon Prime, and what makes it particularly compelling is how it shows the early roots of American soccer fandom—back when maybe only a few thousand people cared, but those who did were absolutely devoted. That gradual growth from niche interest to mainstream passion mirrors exactly what Valdez described about the evolving fan culture in her own career. I've probably rewatched it three times now, and each viewing reveals new layers about how sports can unite communities.

Then there's "Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos," which you can find on Netflix. This documentary explores the NASL's heyday when Pelé and Beckenbauer played in America, drawing crowds that sometimes exceeded 70,000 people. The numbers themselves are staggering—attendance records broken week after week—but what really stays with you is the footage of those fans, their faces filled with pure wonder. I've always been fascinated by how certain moments in sports can create lifelong devotees, and this film captures that transformation beautifully. There's a sequence showing how soccer went from being virtually unknown to drawing millions of viewers within just a few years, which perfectly illustrates Valdez's point about growing loyalty. Personally, I think it's one of the most important sports documentaries ever made, not just for soccer enthusiasts but for anyone interested in cultural phenomena.

What's interesting is how these streaming platforms have become the modern equivalent of those historic stadiums—digital gathering places where fans can relive these moments together. When I recently rewatched "The Two Escobars" on ESPN+, I noticed how the comment section had become this living archive of fan reactions, with people from different countries sharing how the film affected them. That ongoing conversation between viewers mirrors the growing global connectivity of soccer fandom that Valdez alluded to. The film itself, with its intricate exploration of how soccer intersected with politics and crime in 1990s Colombia, demonstrates how the sport can become this powerful cultural force that commands fierce loyalty. I'd argue it's essential viewing, though be prepared—it's emotionally heavy material that stays with you for days.

The beauty of having these films available on streaming services is how accessible they've made soccer history to new generations of fans. I recently introduced "Maradona" from 2014, available on HBO Max, to my niece who's just getting into soccer, and watching her discover the legend through that brilliant documentary was genuinely moving. The film uses never-before-seen footage to create this intimate portrait that makes you understand why millions worshipped him, despite his flaws. That's the magic of great sports cinema—it helps bridge generations of fans, creating this continuous thread of appreciation. Valdez's comments about longevity resonate particularly strongly here, as these films preserve legacies that might otherwise fade from public memory.

What strikes me about the 2014 soccer film landscape is how diverse the stories were—from underdog triumphs to complex examinations of soccer's role in society. "Next Goal Wins," which chronicles American Samoa's journey after their infamous 31-0 loss, offers this beautiful counterpoint to the glamour of major leagues. Available on multiple platforms including Hulu, it shows how fandom isn't just about cheering for winners—sometimes it's about embracing the struggle itself. There's a scene where even after countless losses, the local community still packs the stands, their support unwavering. That raw, unconditional loyalty is exactly what Valdez was describing, and it's what makes soccer such an emotionally rich sport. Personally, I find myself returning to this film whenever I need reminding of why sports matter beyond the scorelines.

The staying power of these 2014 soccer films speaks volumes about how well they captured that particular moment in sports culture. They're not just records of games played; they're documents of human connection, of communities forming around shared passion. When Valdez talks about her fanbase being a testament to her longevity, I'm reminded of how these films continue finding new audiences years later, their relevance undiminished. They've become part of soccer's ongoing narrative, available at our fingertips whenever we need that reminder of why we fell in love with the beautiful game in the first place. In many ways, streaming platforms have become the digital stadiums where these stories continue to inspire new generations of fans, ensuring that the legacy of both the players and their supporters remains vibrantly alive.