Movies and Series to experience the Copa America 2024

The Copa America 2024 in the United States is just around the corner, and while the selected teams are getting ready to give their all on the field, MFC brings you this list of movies, series and documentaries that you can enjoy to warm up for the tournament.

1- THE PRESIDENT

Sergio Jadue, a humble manager of a small Chilean club, unexpectedly finds himself in charge of Chilean football. Drunk with power, he becomes the protégé of godfather Julio Grondona and the FBI's key to unravelling the biggest corruption scandal in world sport, known as FIFAGate, and putting the presidents of all the South American federations behind bars.

Genre: Documentary Series.

Year: 2020

The story reveals the FIFA corruption case that took place between 2010 and 2015, from the perspective of Sergio Jadue, president of a small club in Chile. Overnight, Jadue became a key player in a bribery conspiracy of more than $150 million involving the Chilean Federation, the Argentine Football Association and CONMEBOL.

2- CLUB DE CUERVOS

The patriarch of an important family died and his heirs are fighting to decide who will take control of their beloved soccer team: The New Toledo Ravens.

Genre: Series

Año: 2015-2019

The series begins with the death of Salvador Iglesias, president of the sports club “Cuervos de Nuevo Toledo”. After his death, his children, Salvador Jr. and Isabel Iglesias, compete for control of the team. Salvador Jr., inspired by his father’s last words, aspires to turn the club into “The Real Madrid of Latin America” despite his inexperience. Isabel, for her part, sees herself as the only one capable of preventing the team’s relegation. The situation is complicated by the appearance of Mary Luz Solari, who claims to be pregnant by the late Salvador and claims part of the inheritance. The friction between the brothers destabilizes the team, affecting the board of directors, sponsors and players, jeopardizing their permanence in the first division. UA series as funny as it is realistic. Highly recommended.

3- GOALS AGAINST

The complicated relationship of several Colombian national team players with drug trafficking, which culminated in the own goal and murder of one of the world's most beloved defenders.

Genre: Documentary Series.

Year: 2022

It is a documentary series that narrates the life and tragic murder of Colombian soccer player Andrés Escobar. The series focuses on the events surrounding his assassination in 1994, shortly after Colombia was eliminated from the World Cup in the United States. Through interviews and archival footage, the series explores the impact of drug trafficking on Colombian soccer, the pressure on players and Escobar’s legacy as a symbol of hope and tragedy in the sport.

4- NEXT GOAL WINS

Sports drama that tells the story of Dutch coach Thomas Rongen, who managed to accomplish an almost impossible task in sports: he took the reins of the American Samoa soccer team and tried to turn a group of losers into born winners.

Genre: Movie.

Year: 2023

“Next Goal Wins” is a film directed by Taika Waititi. Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, the film tells the inspiring story of the American Samoa national soccer team. After a humiliating 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001, the team hired coach Thomas Rongen, played by Michael Fassbender, in an attempt to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the FIFA World Cup.The film combines comedy and drama, highlighting themes of perseverance, redemption and sportsmanship. Recommended for a good time with the family.

5- PELÉ: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND

Biopic about the legendary Brazilian soccer player Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé.

Genre: Biographical film.

Year: 2016.

Tells the story of the Brazilian soccer player’s youth and his rise to stardom, culminating with his leadership of the national team that won the 1958 World Cup. Directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, the film tells the story of Pelé, who became a symbol of hope for Brazil. Actors Leonardo Carvalho Lima and Kevin de Paula play Pelé at ages 9 and 17, respectively. The cast includes Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, Diego Boneta, Colm Meaney and Seu Jorge.

In conclusion, these five films and series offer a fascinating and emotional insight into the world of soccer, perfect to enjoy as we prepare for the Copa America. From the inspiring story of Pelé to the touching series about Andrés Escobar, there’s something for every MyFamilier.