Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos

Synopsis

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos takes viewers on a captivating journey through the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, a legendary soccer team that captivated the United States in the 1970s. This documentary highlights the team's flamboyant culture, eclectic cast of characters, and the signing of global superstar Pelé, who brought soccer into the American mainstream. Through archival footage, interviews with key players, and insights from cultural icons, the film reveals how the Cosmos transformed soccer into a sensation across the nation. It explores the passionate fan base that rallied behind the team, the extravagant lifestyle of its players, and the thrilling matches that made history, all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing American sports landscape. As the film delves into the eventual decline of the Cosmos, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of an era when soccer challenged the norms of American sports, offering an inspiring narrative about ambition, celebrity, and the enduring spirit of the game.

Cast

• 

  Franz Beckenbauer

  Self

• Raphael de la Sierra

  Self

• Phil Woosnam

  Self

• Jay Emmett

  Self

• Werner Roth

  Self

• Peppe Pinton

  Self

Reviews

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos has garnered positive reception from both audiences and critics. With an IMDb rating of 7.3/10, an 81% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Metacritic score of 67/100, the film has impressed many. The New York Times praised it as "a lively chronicle of a club that was as much a cultural phenomenon as a sports team," noting its captivating storytelling and vibrant collection of footage. Similarly, Entertainment Weekly highlighted the film's ability to document the 'glamor and chaos' of the Cosmos era, stating, "It’s a vivacious testament to a fleeting moment in sports history that continues to resonate." Critics have appreciated the film for successfully intertwining soccer with broader themes of American culture during the 1970s. However, some reviews suggest that the film might have benefited from a deeper analysis of the sport's implications beyond entertainment, with one critic from The Guardian stating, "While it's an enjoyable watch, it occasionally feels more like a love letter to the Cosmos than a critical examination of their impact on soccer in America." Despite such critiques, the film remains a must-watch for soccer enthusiasts and those intrigued by sports history.

See also

Rolling to You

Return

Natale a Rio

The Bookshop