Reviving Club Necaxa: Eva Longoria's Soccer Journey
Eva Longoria discusses her involvement in the new soccer docuseries "Necaxa" on the latest episode of the "Daily Variety" podcast. The series follows her efforts to revive Club Necaxa in Mexico. Longoria initially invested in the Los Angeles Angel City FC women's pro soccer team before being approached by real estate investor Al Tylis and Club Necaxa executive Sam Porter to invest in the Mexican team. She was drawn to their data-driven approach and the opportunity to showcase Mexican talent and culture.
Longoria's emotional investment in people led her to join forces with Al and Sam, whom she admired. She saw the potential to elevate the perception of Mexico and its soccer league through the project. What started as a financial investment turned into a passion project as she recognized the storytelling potential in the town, team, and its members.
Teaming up with "Welcome to Wrexham" producers Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds, Longoria saw the potential for a compelling TV show based on the real-life drama unfolding at Club Necaxa. The unpredictable nature of the team's journey, including coaching changes and player transfers, made for captivating storytelling. Longoria's immersion in Mexican football culture allowed her to overcome initial fears about acceptance in the male-dominated sport.
Through her experience with Club Necaxa, Longoria discovered the universal language of soccer that transcends nationality and gender. She found acceptance and support within the community, emphasizing the shared goal of winning championships. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the emotional rollercoaster of running a football team and the impact it has on the players, coaches, and staff.
To hear more about Longoria's journey with Club Necaxa and the making of the docuseries, tune in to the "Daily Variety" podcast on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.