Goal! The Dream Begins

The film opens with a glimpse into Santiago Munez's childhood in Mexico, where he exhibited a passion for football. This early love for the game inspires his journey as he later migrates to the United States.

On the same night as Santiago's childhood clip, his family makes the perilous decision to illegally enter the United States. They hope to escape poverty and secure a better future as they pursue the American Dream.

Santiago grows up working alongside his father as a gardener during the day, and as a busboy at a Chinese restaurant at night. These jobs illustrate the struggles that Santiago faces while trying to support his family.

In his free time, Santiago plays football for a small local team called AJFC. Despite his financial struggles, he relies on makeshift shin guards made from cardboard during matches, highlighting his determination to play.

One day after a match, Santiago catches the eye of Glen Foy, an ex-Newcastle player and scout. Glen recognizes Santiago's potential and promises to help him connect with Newcastle United.

On the day Santiago is supposed to meet an agent, Barry Rankin, he is let down when the agent claims to be unavailable. This setback adds to Santiago's frustration but Glen continues to advocate for him.

Santiago discovers that his father has stolen his hidden savings meant for his journey to England. Instead, his father buys a new truck for their gardening business, leading to a heated confrontation between father and son.

With the help of his grandmother, Santiago embarks on his journey to England, taking a train to Mexico City to catch a flight to London. This pivotal moment marks a significant step towards his football aspirations.

Upon arriving in England, Santiago is welcomed by Glen and faces his first trial with Newcastle. Nervousness gets the better of him, leading to a disappointing performance and an initial rejection.

Glen convinces the manager that Santiago was merely jetlagged, successfully persuading him to grant Santiago a month-long trial. This reprieve provides Santiago a renewed hope for demonstrating his talent.

During his trial, Santiago lies about his asthma to avoid being disqualified for the team. However, his condition becomes a serious issue when a teammate accidentally destroys his inhaler during a reserve game.

After a poor performance in the reserve game, Santiago faces removal from the club. While on his way to the airport, he runs into Gavin Harris, who advocates for him and convinces the manager to let Santiago stay.

Santiago finally earns his spot on the first team during a match against Fulham due to injuries among regular players. He contributes significantly by winning a penalty that secures a victory for Newcastle.

During a training session before the final match against Liverpool, Santiago learns of his father's unexpected death from a heart attack. This news profoundly impacts him, and he debates whether to play or return home.

In a thrilling final match against Liverpool, Santiago assists in a key goal before scoring a critical free kick. His performance propels Newcastle to an emotional victory, fulfilling his dream and honoring his father's memory.