Get ready for kickoff. Bill Nighy is starring in a new sports drama based on the Homeless World Cup, a real-life football (that’s soccer to Americans) tournament that spotlights unhoused athletes from around the world. Produced by HWC ambassador (and Oscar nominee) Colin Farrell and Blueprint Pictures’ Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin and Ben Knight with Anita Overland, The Beautiful Game tells the story of the English team and their coach (played by Nighy) as they prepare for the global tournament. 

In a new clip from the film, Mal explains the Homeless World Cup to Vinny, and we catch a glimpse of the many talented players who will be competing in Rome. “Every player has a story to tell,” Mal says. “Heartbreaking, unexpected, thrilling stories. And they tell those stories in one great universal language. And that’s football.”

The Homeless World Cup has been around since 2001, representing nearly 70 countries. Over the past two decades, more than 1.2 million people have participated in the tournament, playing for 220 clubs worldwide. In fact, many of the  players in The Beautiful Game are played by real HWC participants whose lives have been impacted by the organization’s efforts.  

Football may seem like an unlikely ally in the fight against homelessness, but as the film depicts, the beautiful game has a way of changing perceptions — around teams, around people, and even around homelessness itself. You can check out first-look images below and read on for more information about The Beautiful Game. 

What is The Beautiful Game about?

Mal (Nighy) is the manager of England’s homeless football team, taking his players to Rome with the hope of being crowned champions of the Homeless World Cup, a global street soccer tournament. At the last minute he decides to bring with them a talented striker Vinny (Micheal Ward), who could give them a real chance at winning, but only if he’s ready to let go of his past and become part of the team. Made with the support of the Homeless World Cup and directed by Thea Sharrock from a script by Frank Bryce, The Beautiful Game is a film of second chances — where homeless teams from around the world find that all roads lead to Rome, and everything’s to play for. 

Alfredo Falvo/Netflix

Where can I watch the trailer for The Beautiful Game?

Check it out at the top of the page!

Who’s in the cast of The Beautiful Game?

Alongside Oscar nominee Nighy (Living, About Time) and Empire of Light and Top Boy star Ward, the film features a multifaceted group of performers including Susan Wokoma, Callum Scott Howells, Kit Young (Shadow and Bone, upcoming FX series Alien), Sheyi Cole, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Robin Nazari, Aoi Okuyama, Cristina Rodlo, Tadashi Watanabe, Kazuhiro Muroyama, and Valeria Golino.

What does The Beautiful Game mean, anyway?

“The Beautiful Game” is a nickname for association football, popularized by Brazilian superstar Pelé — although the origin of the phrase has been traced throughout the 20th century and attributed to various football commentators and journalists. Stuart Hall, an English football commentator, used it as far back as 1958. The moniker alludes to the gracefulness and inclusive nature of a game that has the power to change lives, on and off the pitch. 

Alfredo Falvo/Netflix

When will The Beautiful Game be on Netflix?

The Beautiful Game is now streaming on Netflix.