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

Once in a Lifetime recounts the meteoric rise and fall of one of the most fascinating soccer teams in American history. It tells the story of the New York Cosmos, a team that brought international soccer superstars to the United States and briefly captivated the nation in the late 1970s.

The film traces the origins of the Cosmos, founded in 1970 as part of the North American Soccer League (NASL). It details how the team’s fortunes changed dramatically in 1975 when they signed Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who came out of semi-retirement to play for the club. Pelé’s arrival transformed the Cosmos from a struggling franchise playing in front of small crowds to a cultural phenomenon that drew tens of thousands of fans to their matches.

The documentary showcases how the Cosmos, backed by the financial might of Warner Communications, continued to attract world-class talent after Pelé. Players like Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto joined the team, creating a star-studded lineup that dominated the NASL. The film captures the glamorous lifestyle of the Cosmos players, who became fixtures of New York’s nightlife scene, partying with celebrities at Studio 54.

However, the documentary also portrays the eventual downfall of both the Cosmos and the NASL. It illustrates how the league’s rapid expansion and financial instability, coupled with the retirement of key players like Pelé, led to its collapse in 1984. The film provides insight into the lasting impact of the Cosmos, suggesting that their brief but intense popularity laid the groundwork for the growth of soccer in the United States in subsequent decades.