Football is a mass phenomenon. Its emotionality touches all social classes, both good and (unfortunately increasingly) bad. Football is a billion-dollar business. Nevertheless, it has retained many of its original structures: the stadium is still a place of lively identification, especially for young fans. Violence is often the focus of public attention, and social problems such as racism, discrimination and marginalisation are also controversial topics that make football appear as if under a magnifying glass. On the other hand, organised fans have been campaigning against prejudice and exclusion for a long time. Football, the "most beautiful minor matter in the world", also plays a major role in film. However, football films cannot and do not come close to conveying the excitement and intensity of a live broadcast or a major tournament. Instead of spectacle, they offer reflection, which is as entertaining and stimulating as it is critical and scrutinising. Above all, they also show how important football is for children and young people. With our "Football Films" collection, we invite you on a playful journey through various aspects and facets of the game. This year's European Championship in Germany (14 June to 14 July 2024) is a particularly good occasion for this.