Eva Longoria, known for her successful acting and producing career, has embarked on an exciting new venture: investing in Mexican football culture. Her latest project, the FX docuseries ‘Necaxa,’ offers an intimate look into the world of Club Necaxa, a football team in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This series highlights not only the sport but also the culture and community surrounding it, marking a significant step in Longoria’s mission to elevate Mexican stories and talent. The ‘Daily Variety’ podcast recently featured Longoria discussing her motivations and experiences in this unique endeavor.
Longoria’s involvement extends beyond mere investment; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Mexican soccer. By partnering with individuals who share her vision, she aims to bring the beauty and passion of Mexican football to a broader audience. The docuseries promises to deliver compelling narratives of the players, coaches, and fans who make Club Necaxa a vital part of their community. Longoria’s insights reveal a blend of emotional investment and strategic business acumen, highlighting the potential for growth and recognition within the Mexican League.
This article will delve into Longoria’s journey, from her initial interest in investing in soccer to the creation of the ‘Necaxa’ docuseries. It will explore her perspectives on Mexican football culture, her partnership with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, and the broader implications of her work for the representation of Mexican stories in media. Through her experiences, Longoria underscores the importance of investing in people and culture, offering valuable lessons for business and creative endeavors alike.
Longoria’s Entry into the World of Soccer
Eva Longoria’s foray into the world of soccer began with an investment in Angel City FC of Los Angeles, a project spearheaded by Natalie Portman and Julie Uhrman. This initial venture aimed to demonstrate the potential of female ownership in women’s sports. “Angel City for Los Angeles was a very specific project led by Natalie Portman and Julie Uhrman, who wanted to prove that female owners could run a female team in female sports,” Longoria stated on the podcast. This experience served as a valuable pilot program, providing insights into the dynamics and opportunities within the soccer industry.
Her involvement with Angel City sparked a deeper interest in soccer, leading to her investment in Club Necaxa. Real estate investor Al Tylis and Sam Porter, an executive at Club Necaxa, approached Longoria with a compelling proposition. They recognized the untapped potential within the Mexican League, citing the significant viewership and value it held. Longoria was drawn to their “Moneyball approach,” which emphasized data-driven strategies and statistical analysis.
Longoria’s decision to invest in Club Necaxa was also driven by her emotional connection to Mexico and her desire to elevate Mexican talent and culture. “Anytime I have an opportunity to elevate what people think of Mexico, the beauty of Mexico, elevate the idea of the talent that comes out of Mexico and the culture, I jump at it,” she explained. This personal mission aligns with her broader purpose as a producer and director, focusing on telling authentic and meaningful stories.
The Making of ‘Necaxa’: A Docuseries Is Born
Initially, Eva Longoria did not envision her investment in Club Necaxa leading to a docuseries. It wasn’t until she visited the Mexican town of Aguascalientes that she recognized the potential for a compelling narrative. “I thought, ‘This is a TV show,’” she recalled. “The town is a character. The family that runs the team is amazing human beings: the players, the coaches and the staff. I immediately saw a TV show.” This realization marked the beginning of the ‘Necaxa’ docuseries project.
To bring her vision to life, Longoria partnered with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, the producers behind the successful ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series. This collaboration was a serendipitous outcome of her investment group’s involvement with Wrexham. “We started developing the TV show outside of the ‘Wrexham’ world. By chance, my investment group with Al and Sam decided to invest in Wrexham. In turn, they invested in us,” Longoria explained.
Longoria admired the authentic storytelling and emotional depth of ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ recognizing McElhenney and Reynolds as ideal partners for her project. The series promises to capture the unpredictable nature of soccer, filled with dramatic moments and emotional highs and lows. “You can’t script what happens,” Longoria noted. “We’ve been through coaches. We’ve been through management changes. We sold our star player. We got him back. The emotion and drama are insane. You can’t script it.”
Immersing in Mexican Football Culture
Producing the ‘Necaxa’ docuseries allowed Eva Longoria to immerse herself deeply in Mexican football culture. She gained a profound appreciation for the significance of soccer within the community, recognizing it as a unifying force that transcends social and cultural barriers. “The reason I saw soccer as a national language is because nobody cares about that. They care about what you’re doing for the team and how we are going to win championships,” Longoria observed.
Initially, Longoria harbored concerns about being accepted, both as a Mexican American and as a woman in a male-dominated sport. “One fear, she explains, ‘was that I’m Mexican American. I’m American by nationality, and I thought, ‘Oh god, I hope they accept me.’ I was also nervous as a woman in a man’s sport, as one of the few. I thought, ‘Oh god, I hope they accept me for that too.’” However, she found that the community welcomed her with open arms, valuing her contributions to the team and her commitment to its success.
Through her experiences, Longoria discovered that passion for the sport and dedication to the team were the primary determinants of acceptance. Her journey highlights the importance of cultural exchange and understanding, emphasizing that shared goals and mutual respect can bridge divides and foster inclusivity.
The Influence of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
The partnership between Eva Longoria and Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds brings a unique dynamic to the ‘Necaxa’ docuseries. Known for their successful ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series, McElhenney and Reynolds offer expertise in capturing the essence of a sports team and its community. Longoria recognized their ability to tell authentic stories with emotional resonance, making them invaluable collaborators.
McElhenney and Reynolds invested in Longoria’s vision, bringing their creative and business acumen to the project. Their involvement extends beyond mere executive production; they actively contribute to shaping the narrative and ensuring the series captures the heart of Club Necaxa and its fans. Longoria values their insights, particularly their understanding of how to navigate the complexities of sports storytelling.
Together, Longoria, McElhenney, and Reynolds aim to create a docuseries that not only entertains but also sheds light on the cultural significance of soccer in Mexico. Their collaboration underscores the power of partnership and the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of media.
The Future of Mexican Football and Representation in Media
Eva Longoria’s ‘Necaxa’ docuseries represents a significant step forward in the representation of Mexican stories in media. By showcasing the passion, talent, and culture surrounding Mexican football, she aims to challenge stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of Mexico and its people. The series has the potential to inspire other creators to explore diverse narratives and amplify marginalized voices.
Longoria’s investment in Club Necaxa also reflects a broader trend of recognizing the untapped potential within the Mexican League. As viewership and interest in Mexican soccer continue to grow, there are increasing opportunities for investment and development. Longoria hopes that her involvement will encourage others to recognize the value and importance of Mexican football, both as a sport and as a cultural phenomenon.
In the long term, Longoria envisions a future where Mexican stories are celebrated and recognized on a global scale. Her work serves as a catalyst for change, demonstrating the power of media to shape perceptions and promote inclusivity. Through her creative endeavors, Longoria continues to champion Mexican talent and culture, leaving a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the broader community.
Conclusion
Eva Longoria’s journey into Mexican football culture, highlighted by her investment in Club Necaxa and the creation of the ‘Necaxa’ docuseries, underscores the importance of cultural exchange and representation in media. Her experiences reveal a blend of emotional investment and strategic business acumen, showcasing the untapped potential within the Mexican League.
Longoria’s partnership with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds brings a unique dynamic to the project, combining their expertise in storytelling with her passion for Mexican culture. Together, they aim to create a series that not only entertains but also sheds light on the cultural significance of soccer in Mexico, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the country and its people.
As Longoria continues to champion Mexican talent and culture, her work serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring others to explore diverse narratives and amplify marginalized voices. The ‘Necaxa’ docuseries represents a significant step forward in the representation of Mexican stories in media, demonstrating the power of partnership and the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront.
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