Last year was an incredible year for sports and storytelling. Alongside major international tournaments like the Olympics, Euro 2024, Africa Cup of Nations, and ICC World T20 came record-breaking performances, bittersweet departures, and stories that transcend sports. From stories that spotlight major athletes to those that cover unforgettable tournaments, here are the five must-watch sports documentaries of 2024 that bring the thrill, drama and intensity of the sporting world to your screen.

Once In A Lifetime: Argentina

The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup was one for the history books. While most documentaries focus on what happened in Qatar, COPA 90’s Eli Mengem and his team flew in the other direction—all the way to Argentina—to capture what a World Cup victory truly means to the nation.

Through the lens of political perspectives, cultural traditions, and the raw emotions of millions, the documentary explores the history of Argentinian football, the immense weight of expectations on the team, and the elation of victory. While many already know the results of the World Cup, Once In a Lifetime: Argentina goes beyond the surface to showcase the unmatched passion and connection between football and the people of Argentina.

The cinematography, the interviews and the stories are all compiled in a well-paced four-episode thriller that one should not feel guilty binging.

Available on: COPA90’s YouTube Channel

Giannis: The Marvelous Journey

It seems that nowadays, rarely does a single athlete’s story get covered in a way that spans beyond the court or their career. But Giannis: The Marvelous Journey does just that, diving into the life of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

From his beginnings as the son of Nigerian immigrants in Greece to his rise as an NBA star, the documentary explores not just his remarkable resilience but his growth as both a person and a player. His humble presence on screen is almost magnetic, drawing you deeper into his story and the central role his family has played in his journey.

For basketball fans and non-basketball fans alike, this documentary is compelling and accessible. No deep knowledge of the game is required to appreciate Giannis’s remarkable path to success, making it an inspiring watch for a wide audience. More importantly, the documentary doesn’t just skim the surface; it goes deep into the heart of Giannis’s values, where he gets it from, his commitment to family and his unwavering loyalty to his family, to his team, to his career.

Available on: Amazon Prime

The Test: A New Era for Australia’s Team (Season 3)

Returning for its third season, The Test spans three episodes following Australia as they take on India, who won four series wins in a row over Australia, in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final and how they dealt with a revitalized England and their aggressive “Bazball” style of play.

What’s distinctive about this documentary is that the narrative has a clear structure, but it doesn’t bore. The emotions and the interviews keep it entertaining, and the different personalities breathe life into it. While earlier seasons show them as just lads who are looking to have a good time playing cricket, the latest season digs deep into the grit, the fighting spirit and how far they will go to win.

Available on Amazon Prime

Simone Biles Rising

Dubbed the greatest of all time for her sheer dominance in gymnastics, Simone Biles Rising is an honest, raw, behind-the-curtain look at the life and journey of the sport’s most decorated athlete.

This documentary is intimate. Biles explores the sacrifices but also the pressure that comes with sustained success. Biles opens up about her mental health, the reasons for withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and how, although she was physically ready, the flickers of doubt had raged into something she couldn’t understand.

The four-part docuseries, directed by Katie Walsh, also dives into injuries, how her rigorous regime affects her body, how she prepared herself to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and how she had to step her game up to compete against a formidable opponent by the name of Rebeca Andrade. What’s interesting is how it overlays the present of gymnastics with the history, giving us a more holistic view of the sport.

Available on Netflix

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders offers a fascinating look into the intense world of what it takes to be a cheerleader—not just for any NFL team, but for the Dallas Cowboys–the most valuable team in the NFL.

The documentary delves into the often vague selection criteria, which boil down to having that elusive “it” factor, and the absolute commitment the women have to reach this goal. It uncovers the complexities that otherwise exist to the blind eye—the grueling audition process, the pressure of performing under the spotlight, and the constant scrutiny of body image and the politics surrounding it.

It’s impossible not to be captivated by the story. Simply put, these are women who love their craft and are committed to it.

Available on Netflix