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.

Founded in 1970 as part of the North American Soccer League (NASL), the Cosmos’ 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 into a cultural phenomenon that drew tens of thousands of fans to their matches.

The documentary shows how the Cosmos, backed by the financial might of Warner Communications, continued to attract world-class talent after Pelé. Players such as Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto joined the team, creating a star-studded line-up 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.

The film also explores the eventual downfall of both the Cosmos and the NASL. The league’s rapid expansion and financial instability, coupled with the retirement of key players such as Pelé, led to its collapse in 1984. The documentary 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.