Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006) is a sports documentary that chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, the star-studded soccer team that brought global attention to the sport in the United States during the 1970s. Directed by Paul Crowder and John Dower, the film combines archival footage, interviews, and a dynamic soundtrack to tell the story.
The documentary begins with the formation of the Cosmos in 1971 by the North American Soccer League (NASL) and Warner Communications, aiming to popularize soccer in America. The turning point comes when the team signs Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, in 1975. His arrival generates massive publicity and attracts other international stars, such as Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia, transforming the Cosmos into a cultural phenomenon.
Through a mix of glamour, celebrity endorsements, and high-energy matches, the Cosmos revolutionize soccer's image in the U.S., drawing record crowds and making headlines. However, the team's success is also marred by internal conflicts, financial mismanagement, and the eventual collapse of the NASL.
The film captures the era's exuberance and chaos, celebrating the Cosmos' brief but impactful legacy while reflecting on the challenges of establishing soccer as a major sport in the U.S. It’s a nostalgic and insightful tribute to a team that dared to dream big.
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