Featuring amazing archive footage, as well an interviews with the man himself and those who know him best, Netflix’s new documentary film, simply titled Pelé, tells his story like never before.

But while the film rightly gives us the goals, the glory, and the glamour that comes with being the first and only player to win three World Cups, this is no blemish-free portrait of a legend.

Pelé also shines a surprising light on the footballer’s complicated relationship with Brazil’s brutal authoritarian government of the 1960s, plus indiscretions in his personal life.

Undoubtedly inspired by Asif Kapadia’s superb 2019 documentary film Diego Maradona, Netflix’s profile of Pelé is a must-watch for football fans. And it’s not the only excellent documentary you can watch on the streaming service. Here are five more that hit the target…

Gascoigne

Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix

There will only ever be one Paul Gascoigne. This documentary pulls no punches in profiling a footballer who has created as many headlines off the pitch as on it.

Sunderland ’Til I Die

Find series 1 & 2 in Apps & Games > Netflix

This docuseries isn’t just about Sunderland’s bid to return to the Premier League. It’s also about how a football club is rooted in the DNA of a community like nothing else.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets Of Success

Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix

One of football’s greatest ever managers reveals to BBC journalist Nick Robinson how he turned Manchester United into a global powerhouse.

Anelka: Misunderstood

Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix

Talented. Enigmatic. Controversial. From the successes to the off-field dramas, this is the unique story of former France striker Nicolas Anelka’s life and times.

Maradona In Mexico

Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix

Before his untimely death in November 2020, one of Argentine legend Diego Maradona’s last managerial roles was at struggling Mexican side Dorados de Sinaloa. This docuseries charts his unpredictable spell on the touchline.

How to watch Netflix with Virgin TV

If you have a TiVo® box or Virgin TV V6 box, powered by TiVo®:

Press home on your remote

Select Apps & Games

Select All Apps 

Select Netflix

If you’re already a Netflix subscriber, you can also access the app through Search & Discover or by pressing Red on channel 204. Just sign in with your existing login and start watching. And you’ll only have to log in the first time you use it. 

If you’re new to Netflix, then you’ll need to subscribe to use the app. The easiest way to do this is by going to netflix.com/virginmedia. You can also subscribe using the Netflix app in Apps & Games.