Whether or not you’re a fan of “the beautiful game’, you’d be forgiven for falling in love with football after watching ‘Next Goal Wins’. Following the “world’s worst football team” American Samoa as they attempt to restore some pride after their record 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001, Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s documentary is a fascinating insight into life on a tiny Pacific island. From the humiliation of their loss to Australia, to the very real pain caused by the 2009 tsunami that hit the island, ‘Next Goal Wins’ tells more than just a story of a football team overcoming the odds.
While the on-field action will have you on the edge of your seat as you suddenly find yourself as a die-hard American Samoa fan, the real beauty of this film comes from the characters within it.
From the eccentric but fabulously likeable Dutch coach Thomas Rongen who helps turn the team’s fortunes around, to the tortured but fiercely determined long-serving goalkeeper Nicky Salapu looking to banish the demons he carries from being known as the man who conceded 31 goals.
And then there’s the star of the show, transgender player Jaiyah Saelua, a member of Samoa’s third gender, the ‘Fa’afafine’. An elegant diva off the field and hard-tackling defender on it, Jaiyah gained worldwide notoriety following her appearance in the documentary after becoming the first transgender player to appear in a FIFA-recognised match, and her story is just another inspiring aspect to the film.
During an age when football is often in the headlines for the wrong reasons, ‘Next Goal Wins’ is a rousing reminder of the power of the beautiful game. While the film is a great watch for fans of sports documentaries, there is as much enjoyment to be had for those who aren’t.
And you’re definitely going to need tissues. Lots of tissues.
