Thomas Rongen interview: Winning with American Samoa, the world’s worst team, and being played by Michael Fassbender
In this exclusive interview, Thomas Rongen opens up on becoming the subject of a new Hollywood movie starring Michael Fassbender and the story that inspired it. On embracing world's worst team American Samoa and dealing with personal tragedy in the process
Comment and Analysis @ghostgoal
Friday 5 January 2024 09:16, UK
The redemption tale of the world’s worst football team is currently captivating audiences around the world. Next Goal Wins is the story of how American Samoa, having previously lost 31-0 to Australia, would finally win their first match in 30 years.
It is the story of goalkeeper Nicky Salapu, persuaded to return after that harrowing defeat and winning the admiration of his son. It is the story of Jaiyah Saelua, the first trans woman to compete in a World Cup qualifier. It is also the story of Thomas Rongen.
«It has been a badass ride,» Rongen tells Sky Sports. The Dutchman who left Amsterdam as a young man for a new life in the United States, Rongen is the villain of Taika Waititi's movie, as portrayed by Michael Fassbender, but a hero of the true story that inspired it.
In just three weeks, this once celebrated coach, who had won the MLS Cup in 1999, turned this team into winners. His time on the island is about how he changed them but also about how its people changed him, helping him to confront his own personal tragedy.
American Samoa did not just change his life. It saved it.
«I had tried to take my life twice,» he says, matter-of-factly. His stepdaughter Nicole had died aged 19 in a car accident in 2004. There was unresolved trauma for Rongen. His wife institutionalised him. «Thank God,» he says. «I am totally beyond that right now.»
The turning point came in Polynesia. «It was a huge reset button
Read on skysports.com
