Next goal wins|Goalie quit after football team was clobbered 31-0 and now a movie is being produced
The story of Thomas Rongen coaching the American Samoan national football team is one of redemption and overcoming adversity.
The team, known as the worst in the world, had lost all 30 of their official matches and suffered a devastating 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001.
However, Rongen saw this as an opportunity to make a difference and took on the challenge.
Rongen, a Dutch-born coach who had played with football legends such as Johan Cruyff and George Best, had just three weeks to prepare the team for their qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
It seemed like an impossible task, but Rongen was determined to turn the team’s fortunes around.
The documentary, Next Goal Wins, which tells the story of Rongen and the team, highlights the personal struggles that both the players and the coach faced.
For Rongen, coaching the team became a way to heal from the loss of his teenage stepdaughter. It also gave him a sense of purpose and spirituality.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the story is the inclusion of Jaiyah “Johnny” Saelua, the first transgender footballer to play as an international.
Saelua’s journey and her relationship with Rongen are explored in the film.
The role of Saelua is played by trans actor Kaimana, adding authenticity to the portrayal.
The film is a classic underdog-to-victory tale, showing the transformation of a team that was once ridiculed and dismissed.
Rongen’s coaching and the determination of the players led to their first international victory against Tonga in 2011.
Next Goal Wins is now being turned into a Hollywood movie, directed by Taika Waititi and starring Michael Fassbender as Rongen.
The film is set to be released on Boxing Day and is expected to captivate audiences with its inspiring story.
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