This Is Football – Season 1
Episodes
Redemption
This film explores the redemptive power of sport and the incredible stories of survival made possible through football. It is told through the fanatical Liverpool fans, the ‘Rwandan Reds’, who at first glance mirror fans from around the globe. But all are genocide survivors and behind their smiles are harrowing stories of pain and loss, and how they found a dream and a community again in football.
Belief
The story of the Japanese women’s football team's remarkable World Cup triumph 3 months after natural disaster killed 16,000 people in Japan. ‘Belief’ also charts the spread of the women’s game and how football conquered America in 1999. With incredible access to the winning Japanese and American teams, this film examines the obstacles, prejudices and faith needed to inspire generations of women.
Chance
In Football, the Underdog Always Has its Day. Interweaving the stories of Frankfurt winning their first cup for 30 years, how Bayern Munich moved from amateur leagues to a multimillion-dollar world-dominating club, and how Chelsea and their new manager beat Bayern in the 2012 Champions League final. This film explores ‘chance’ in football and why it's a key reason that billions love the game.
Pride
Iceland, with no professional league and a national team coached by a part-time dentist, are the smallest country to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, we follow the Iceland team and their coach Heimir Hallgrimsson as they head to Russia. A tale of pride, triumph over impossible odds, and hope. This is David v Goliath on Football’s biggest stage.
Love
A series of stunning vignettes paint a picture of the world’s global game, each one capturing a different portrait of the human condition. From England’s Blind football team to South Africa’s youngest professional referee to roof top football in China, and slum football in India, this film takes us on a journey around the planet to show the unifying power of football.
Wonder
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest living footballer. A 1 in 7.2 billion miracle. A genius in boots. This film is an immersion into the beauty of football and a quest to unveil the secret of Messi's genius in the world’s biggest match. A glittering cast from legendary manager and mentor, Pep Guardiola, to the President of Argentina, to renowned statisticians, unveils why Messi is like no other.