Main content

Thomas Rongen on the Worst Team in the World

Thomas Rongen talks about taking charge of American Samoa, the team last in the Fifa World Rankings and the inspiration for Taika Waititi's new movie Next Goal Wins.

Thomas Rongen joins Craig and Amy to talk about his time coaching American Samoa, who at the time were the team last in the Fifa World Rankings. His story and the documentary of his time on the island are the inspiration for Taika Waititi's new movie Next Goal Wins. Thomas tells us about how he went about changing the fortunes of the team, what it feels like to have Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Fassbender playing him and how he got the goalie who had conceded 31 goals in one match to come out of retirement.

All that plus he takes us on a must listen to wild ride through his playing career in the North American Soccer League in the late 70s and early 80s. From living with Johan Cruyff, partying with The Rolling Stones and skipping past Liza Minnelli in the Studio 54 queue!

If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available - bbc.co.uk/actionline

Release date:

Available now

46 minutes

Podcast