Once is a youth-oriented sports drama that originally aired on Disney XD in Latin America. The story followed Gabo Moreti, a talented soccer player from the small town of Álamo Seco. His life changed when he received a scholarship to attend the Sports Academic Institute (IAD) in Buenos Aires. At the institute, he joined the Los Halcones Dorados, the school’s elite amateur soccer team.
The series balanced the professional aspirations of its young characters with traditional soap opera elements. Gabo navigated the competitive world of high-level sports while trying to uncover the identity of his father. Along the way, he faced challenges from teammates and rivals who viewed him as an outsider from a rural background. The show provided a detailed look at the discipline required for youth sports at a prestigious academy.
The production utilized professional soccer choreography to maintain a sense of realism during the match sequences. Unlike typical teen dramas, the show placed a heavy emphasis on the mechanics of the game and the technical training at IAD. It became a significant title for Disney Plus viewers interested in international sports content. The cast featured actors from various Latin American countries, highlighting the regional popularity of the sport.
Why You Should Watch Once
Once offered a grounded look at the pressures placed on teenage athletes. The central conflict focused on Gabo Moreti, played by Mariano González, and his struggle to fit into the rigid structure of IAD. He was a natural talent who relied on instinct, which often clashed with the tactical demands of the coaches.
Professional Sports Environment
The Sports Academic Institute served as more than just a school. It functioned as a high-performance training center where every action was monitored. The show depicted the Golden Falcons as a team under immense pressure to maintain their reputation in the intercollegiate league. This environment forced the characters to choose between personal ambition and the needs of the team.
Viewers saw the daily routines of the players, including their diet, physical therapy, and tactical meetings. The character Francisco Velázquez, the team’s coach, represented the authority figure who pushed the players to their limits. His relationship with the players was a core element of the show’s professional tone. The series avoided overly dramatic portrayals of sports in favor of showing the work required to succeed.
Character Dynamics and Rivalries
The rivalry between Gabo and Lorenzo Guevara, played by Sebastián Athié, was the primary engine of the plot. Lorenzo was the star striker and the son of a famous player, making him the natural leader of the Halcones Dorados. He viewed Gabo as a threat to his position and his social standing within the academy. This conflict extended beyond the field and into their personal interactions.
To support the main leads, the show featured a diverse group of supporting characters. Ricky Flores, played by Juan David Penagos, and Dedé, played by Luan Brum, became Gabo’s closest friends. They formed a trio that balanced Gabo’s seriousness with more lighthearted moments. Their friendship was tested multiple times by the competitive nature of the school rankings and team selections.
The Soap Opera Subplots
While soccer was the main focus, the series incorporated mystery and family drama. Gabo’s quest to find his father added a layer of investigative tension to the story. This subplot involved several adult characters and faculty members at IAD, suggesting that the school had deep ties to his family history. These secrets were revealed slowly over the course of three seasons.
Romance also played a role in the lives of the characters at the institute. Zoe Velázquez, played by Paulina Vetrano, was the daughter of the coach and a talented student in her own right. Her interactions with Gabo and Lorenzo created social friction that mirrored the competition on the soccer field. These relationships helped flesh out the world of IAD beyond the locker room.
Production and International Appeal
Once was produced by Pol-ka Producciones in collaboration with Disney. The filming took place in Buenos Aires, providing an authentic setting for the Latin American soccer culture. The show was dubbed and subtitled in multiple languages, including English and Portuguese, to reach a global audience on TV Shows platforms. Its success led to three distinct seasons that tracked the players’ progress from freshmen to veterans.
The show also featured cameos from real-world soccer personalities. These appearances grounded the fictional academy in the real world of professional football. By including these details, the creators appealed to both general audiences and dedicated soccer fans. The technical aspects of the production, such as the use of high-speed cameras for match scenes, set it apart from other youth dramas of the era.
- Realistic Soccer: The actors performed many of their own stunts and soccer plays.
- International Cast: The actors represented countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.
- Character Growth: The series tracked the maturity of the players over several academic years.
- High Production Value: The IAD campus and soccer facilities were filmed in modern, high-tech locations.
Is Once Safe to Watch? (Age Rating Guide)
Rated NR.
For verified credits, release details, or official resources, visit IMDb and Official Site.
| Director | Jorge Edelstein |
|---|---|
| Main Cast | Mariano González, Juan David Penagos, Sebastián Athié, Luan Brum, Paulina Vetrano |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Genre | Comedy, Family, Soap |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Once released?
Once was released on June 19, 2017.
Who directed Once?
Jorge Edelstein directed Once.
What is Once about?
The series revolves around Gabo, a soccer-loving teenager who, upon receiving a scholarship from the prestigious Sports Academic Institute (IAD) of Buenos Aires, will see his dream of playing at Los Halcones Dorados, the renowned amateur team of the school, and also his longing to become a professional footballer.
Where can I watch Once?
Once is available on Disney+.
