The best sports documentaries to stream right now

Big sporting moments are coming in fast. From Wimbledon Championships and the Tour de France to the always-on drama of Formula One… and yes, the big one – the FIFA World Cup 2026.

So if you’re building your watchlist before kick-off, this is your shortcut to the best sports documentaries to stream right now. We’re talking football legends, world champions, iconic races and powerful personal stories – all ready to stream on Freely.

Whether you’re searching for football documentaries, tennis documentaries, or just the best documentaries about sport, start hereeee!

The best football documentaries to stream

With the World Cup on, there's no better time to revisit some of football's greatest moments, biggest personalities and fiercest rivalries.

Rooney

Stream on BBC iPlayer

This 2022 documentary delves into life and career of one of football's greatest strikes! Get ready for stories form some of the most important moments of his life, with testimonies from the people closest to him including his wife Coleen.

Rivals: Messi v Ronaldo

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Few sporting rivalries have captured the world's attention quiteeee like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

This compelling documentary explores how two footballing icons pushed each other to extraordinary heights, dominating the game for more than a decade and rewriting the record books along the way. Whether you're Team Messi or Team Ronaldo, this is football history at its finest!

Icons of Football

Stream on BBC iPlayer

If you’re getting into the World Cup spirit, this is where to start. A nostalgic deep dive into Scottish football history, featuring legends like Charlie Nicholas and Willie Miller. Expect big moments, bigger personalities, and plenty of pride.

England 2006: The Golden Generation

Stream on BBC iPlayer

David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney – on paper, England's 2006 World Cup squad had everything. So why didn't football come home?

England 2006: The Golden Generation revisits one of the most talented squads in English football history, exploring the huge expectations, intense pressure and unforgettable moments that defined their tournament. 

When English Football Ruled Europe

Stream on ITVX

Relive an era when English clubs regularly dominated European football. From famous nights under the floodlights to unforgettable triumphs on the continent, this documentary celebrates the teams, managers and players who helped English football reach the top of Europe.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Comedian Kevin Bridges embarks on a football-loving journey to discover what makes the beautiful game so special. Meeting supporters, players and communities whose lives revolve around football, Bridges explores the passion, humour and traditions that have made the sport a global phenomenon. 

Keane and Vieira: Best of Enemies

Stream on ITVX

Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira weren't just rivals – they were the embodiment of one of the Premier League's greatest eras.

This documentary revisits the fierce battles between Manchester United and Arsenal, exploring the clashes, mind games and mutual respect that developed between two of football's most iconic captains.

Robbo: The Bryan Robson story

Stream on ITVX

One of the best football documentaries for fans of the English game. It tells the story of one of England’s greatest ever midfielders –  Bryan Robson, charting his story from a working class background in the North East of England, to a national treasure honoured by the queen!

Man City: 5 Minutes to go…

Stream on ITVX

Suspense and heart-stopping action took place in the thrilling play-off final in 1989 between Manchester City and underdogs, Gillingham. Whether it’s a game you remember watching live, one you’ve heard about or one you’ve never heard before… football fans, this is a must see!

The Best sports documentaries beyond football

Football isn't the only sport delivering unforgettable documentaries. From Formula One glory to tennis triumphs and inspiring personal journeys, these are well worth adding to your watchlist.

Brawn the Impossible: The Formula One Story

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

Racing fan? You’re not going to want to miss this! In this captivating docu-series, Kenau Reeves tells the sensational and true story of how Nicky Fry and Ross Brawn defied all odds and managed to win the Formula One Championship with an underfinance team!

Andy Murray: Will to Win

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

The Andy Murray era may be over, but why not get ready for Wimbledon 2026 by exploring the fascinating life and career of a tennis legend! Andy Murray: Will to Win explores his incredible journey from Dunblane to puitting an end to the 77 year wait for  British men’s Wimbledon champion to finally, the sporting legend we know today! 

One of the best tennis documentaries for understanding the mindset of a champion.

Jonathan Rea - Born to Win

Stream on ITVX

Superbike fans, join Ruth Gorman as she presents an intimate portait of six-time World Superbike champion and racing legend Jonathan Rea! A brilliant pick for fans searching for motorbike racing documentaries or stories about elite sporting dominance.

Monaco Grand Prix: The Legend

Stream on Channel 4

Presented by Prince Albert, this revealing documentaries is all about how the World’s most iconic Grand Prix came into existence, how the circuit has changed over the years as the sport has developed, andddd how the track is created each year!

By the Balls

Stream on ITVX

This award-winning documentary/ drama takes a brutal look behind the first Rugby World Cup from the perspective of four of the World’s greatest players, and importantly – how an amateur team fought for a nation’s pride in turbulent times. One of the more hard-hitting rugby documentaries out there.

Kelley Homes: Being Me

Stream on ITVX

This powerful documentary sees Kelly Holmes opening up about significant parts of her life for the first time, as she discusses the emotional journey she’s been on for the past 30 years and the impact it’s had on her mental health. 

A powerful reminder that behind every medal is a human story, and one of the most inspiring sports documentaries you can watch right now.

Over the Edge

Stream on Channel 4

Ready for something different? This adrenaline-fuelled documentary dives into the world of BASE jumping – following thrill-seekers chasing the ultimate high. A great pick if you’re after extreme sports documentaries.

Pssst, if you enjoy this watch Xtremists next, also on Channel 4.

And if you're enjoying our sporty recommendations, why not check out our sports schedule so you don't miss a single game!