Kenny Dalglish Film Celebrates a Life of Triumph, Tragedy and Unmatched Loyalty
Sir Kenny Dalglish remains one of Liverpool’s most enduring symbols – a man whose impact on the club and the city stretches far beyond football. A new film, reviewed by James Pearce in the Athletic, Kenny Dalglish, directed by lifelong supporter and Academy Award-winner Asif Kapadia, revisits a remarkable story defined by genius on the pitch, leadership in crisis, and unwavering humanity off it.
A journey from Glasgow to greatness
The film begins in Dalglish’s native Glasgow, where his father first took him to watch Rangers. His early years reflect humble ambition rather than destined greatness. After catching the eye of legendary Celtic manager Jock Stein, the young Dalglish swapped his joiner’s tools for football boots – and never looked back.
His recollection of scoring a penalty in his first Old Firm derby captures both the nerves and self-belief that shaped his career: “That was the big one,” he says, “because it can set your life up for you.”
It was at Celtic, too, where he met his wife Marina – a relationship that forms a tender thread throughout the film. Dalglish calls their marriage certificate “the best £5 I ever spent,” a sentiment that underlines the deep family values running through his story.
A Liverpool legend in the making
Dalglish’s move to Liverpool in 1977 for a British record £440,000 marked the beginning of an era that would redefine the club. Replacing Kevin Keegan was no small task, yet his arrival under Bob Paisley proved transformational. Over 515 games, Dalglish scored 172 goals and became the creative heartbeat of one of Europe’s most feared sides.
Kapadia’s film relives those glorious years – the mesmerising dribbles, deft passes, and decisive finishes. Dalglish’s iconic winner in the 1978 European Cup final against Club Brugge is revisited with forensic detail, revealing how he studied the opposition goalkeeper’s habits to gain the edge.
Teammates Graeme Souness and Ian Rush offer vivid reflections. “He could see things way before anyone else,” Rush says, while George Best once called Dalglish “three or four moves ahead of everyone.” The footage underscores that assessment – a footballer whose artistry elevated an entire team.
A leader through heartbreak and renewal
No portrait of Dalglish could avoid the tragedies that tested him most. The Heysel disaster in 1985 and the horror of Hillsborough in 1989 cast long shadows over Liverpool’s successes. As the film shows, Dalglish’s response to both was defined by compassion and duty.
His strength in the aftermath of Hillsborough – visiting the injured, attending funerals, and offering solace to grieving families – reflects the human side of football rarely captured so honestly. “It was our turn to be their supporters,” he recalls, his voice heavy with emotion.
Even as a manager, his achievements were extraordinary. As player-manager, Dalglish led Liverpool to a league and FA Cup double in 1986, scoring the title-clinching goal himself. Yet by 1991, the relentless strain had taken its toll, leading to his resignation. Marina Dalglish’s reflections in the film offer poignant insight into a man carrying the emotional weight of a city.
A legacy beyond football
While the film touches only briefly on later chapters – Blackburn’s Premier League triumph, brief spells at Newcastle and Celtic, and his Liverpool return in 2011 – its focus remains firmly on the bond between Dalglish and Liverpool.
It’s not merely a sporting documentary, but a portrait of loyalty, humility and endurance. Dalglish’s stand at Anfield symbolises that connection: a living reminder of how one man became the moral and emotional compass of a club.
Kenny Dalglish is more than a film about football – it’s a film about people, community, and the enduring power of compassion. For those who lived through his era, it’s a nostalgic celebration. For younger fans, it explains why he is revered as both legend and leader.
The film screens in UK and Irish cinemas on 29–30 October, before streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 4 November.
