After the success of 30 for 30, ESPN created spin-off docuseries including 30 for 30: Soccer Stories. If you only want to watch a few episodes of the series, here’s what each of them is about.
Hillsborough
Some sports stories are upsettingly tragic, and “Hillsborough” is one of them. If you’re in the mood for something uplifting, this is not the episode for you. But, if you want to know more about the “Hillsborough Disaster,” which resulted in the deaths of 96 soccer fans, give it a watch.
Maradona ‘86
The Bulls needed Michael Jordan. The Yankees needed Derek Jeter. In 1986, Argentina needed Diego Maradona. “Maradona ‘86” covers this man’s incredible contributions to his country’s team, which went on to win the World Cup that year.
The Opposition
Visiting a concentration camp is eerie enough – now imagine playing soccer in one. “The Opposition” covers the little-known details about the stadium – formerly used as a detention center – Chile plays soccer in, as well as the 1973 match between Chile and the Soviet Union.
The Myth of Garrincha
Some athletes deserve to be mentioned in a documentary while others deserve an entire episode in a series dedicated to them. Mané Garrincha is of the latter. “The Myth of Garrincha” will tell you all you need to know about this legendary soccer player.
Soccer match
Ceasefire Massacre
While “Ceasefire Massacre” is ostensibly about soccer, it’s actually a story about the worst behavior that can come from intense political differences. The episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories documents what happened on June 18, 1994 while the Republic of Ireland was playing in the World Cup. What happened that fateful day will stick with you forever after watching this episode.
Mysteries of the Rimet Trophy
The Rimet Trophy is the most elusive trophy in sports history. And not because it’s hard to win. It’s literally missing. “Mysteries of the Rimet Trophy” walks you through several theories all trying to explain what the hell happened to this trophy.
Barbosa
“Barbosa – The Man Who Made All of Brazil Cry” details the error that soccer player Moacir Barbosa Nascimento made that resulted in Brazil losing the 1950 World Cup. This episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories will have you questioning why so many societies place such importance on sports, and how that pressure can affect athletes.
White, Blue and White
It’s amazing how much sports history is tied up with political history. It might not seem like the two are naturally intertwined, but “White, Blue and White” is another documentary episode that stands to prove otherwise.
30 for 30: Soccer Stories is streaming now on ESPN+.