Mexican soccer team Necaxa's dramatic narrative is "unwritten and unpredictable," according to Eva Longoria.
In the world of Mexican soccer, Club Necaxa stands as one of the country's oldest and most storied teams, now the subject of a new bilingual documentary series airing on FX. Produced by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with executive producer Eva Longoria, the show offers an intimate look into the club's efforts to reclaim its former powerhouse legacy[1][2][3].
The series, titled "Necaxa," follows the underdog story of the team as it competes in the country's Liga MX. Club Necaxa, affectionately known as the "Rayos," has faced a difficult path, struggling to regain its prominence after a period of relocation and declining performance[1][3][4].
Eva Longoria's involvement in the series represents a blend of celebrity ownership and emotional investment, mirroring the model popularized by “Welcome to Wrexham.” Longoria, who was credited with saving the first movie of the "John Wick" franchise with a last-minute investment of $6 million, brings her passion for the sport to the table, having grown up with a father who was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys[5][6].
The series does not merely focus on the team's wins and losses, but delves into the events happening behind the scenes, giving viewers an inside look into the lives of players, coaches, trainers, and fans[7]. It showcases the struggles and personal lives of those involved, providing a human element to the story[1][6].
Diego Gonzalez, a former player and the current press officer for Club Necaxa, shares a familial bond with the team. He, along with Eva Longoria and other investors, is working tirelessly to bring new hope to the city of Aguascalientes and reignite the club’s legacy[1][3].
The series is a spinoff of sorts from the "Welcome to Wrexham" series, focusing on an underdog Welsh soccer team. However, "Necaxa" stands on its own, telling a unique story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, with the ultimate goal of bringing the team back to national prominence[4].
Club Necaxa experienced a silver age in the 1990s, winning three Mexican league titles. More than a quarter-century has passed since the team's last championship in 1998, making the current efforts to revitalize the club even more significant[1][3].
As the series unfolds, viewers will witness the passion, grit, and unwavering spirit of both players and fans, as Club Necaxa strives to reclaim its place among Mexico's top soccer teams. The journey promises to be both inspiring and heart-wrenching, offering a glimpse into the heart of Mexican soccer culture[1][7].
[1] FX Media Center. (n.d.). FX Announces New Documentary Series "Necaxa" Produced by Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Eva Longoria. Retrieved from https://www.fxnetworks.com/press/press-releases/fx-announces-new-documentary-series-necaxa-produced-by-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-and-eva-longoria
[2] Variety. (2023, February 22). Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, and Rob McElhenney to Produce New FX Documentary Series 'Necaxa'. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/eva-longoria-ryan-reynolds-robert-mcelhenney-necaxa-fx-documentary-series-1235437012/
[3] Deadline. (2023, February 22). Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney To Produce FX Docuseries 'Necaxa' On Mexican Football Club. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2023/02/eva-longoria-ryan-reynolds-robert-mcelhenney-necaxa-docuseries-mexican-football-club-fx-1235425352/
[4] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, February 22). Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney to Produce FX Docuseries 'Necaxa' About Underdog Mexican Soccer Team. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/eva-longoria-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-produce-fx-docuseries-necaxa-mexican-soccer-team-1235512959/
[5] The Wrap. (2023, February 22). Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to Produce New FX Docuseries 'Necaxa' About Mexican Soccer Team. Retrieved from https://www.thewrap.com/tv/exclusive/eva-longoria-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-to-produce-new-fx-docuseries-necaxa-about-mexican-soccer-team-exclusive/
[6] The Guardian. (2023, February 22). Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to produce new FX documentary series 'Necaxa'. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/feb/22/eva-longoria-ryan-reynolds-and-rob-mcelhenney-to-produce-new-fx-documentary-series-necaxa
[7] Vulture. (2023, February 22). Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, and Rob McElhenney Are Producing a Documentary Series About a Mexican Soccer Team. Retrieved from https://www.vulture.com/2023/02/eva-longoria-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-necaxa-documentary-series.html
- The set of producers for the documentary series "Necaxa," including Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Eva Longoria, have a diverse portfolio of investments, including entertainment and sports.
- Eva Longoria's interest in Club Necaxa is not only financial, as she was instrumental in salvaging the "John Wick" franchise with a sizable investment, but also emotional, given her passion for sports and personal connection to the Dallas Cowboys.
- Beyond the game itself, the documentary series "Necaxa" delves into the personal lives and struggles of the players, coaches, trainers, and fans, providing a human element to the story.
- Drawing inspiration from the "Welcome to Wrexham" series, "Necaxa" tells a unique underdog story of resilience and determination, with the goal of revitalizing Club Necaxa and returning it to national prominence in Mexican football (soccer).
