Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006)

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006) is a riveting exploration of an unusual chapter in American sports history - the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of the North American Soccer League (NASL) between 1968 and 1984. The spotlight shines on the most celebrated club of the NASL, the New York Cosmos, offering a fascinating lens into this tumultuous era. In a nation where soccer was a mere whisper in the vast cacophony of professional sports, the NASL had barely caused a ripple until 1975, when the New York Cosmos pulled off a stunning coup - signing Pele, the greatest soccer player of the time. This monumental event set the crowds ablaze, with the Cosmos suddenly drawing larger audiences than even the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL. The frenzy climbed to a feverish peak when exhibition games in Seattle attracted massive gatherings, and Pele's retirement match in 1977 set an unprecedented record for soccer attendance in the US. However, Pele's departure also marked the beginning of the end for the NASL. The league found itself embroiled in a financial maelstrom, and the lavish spending habits of the Cosmos became a hotbed of controversy. The once-thriving league began a slow, steady descent into decline. This film beautifully captures this extraordinary tale of fleeting glory and the captivating saga of the New York Cosmos.

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is a documentary movie featuring Pelé and directed by Paul Crowder.

It is possible to buy Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.