In 2018, director Miguel íngel Lamata brought to life Roberto Santiago’s novel ‘The Footballest’ in a vibrant, humorous, and engaging film adaptation.
The story follows a group of young football enthusiasts who find themselves embroiled in a thrilling adventure.
If you’re a fan of sports, mystery, and laughs, this movie offers the perfect blend.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide a deep dive into the world of ‘The Footballest’, from the book and movie summaries to a detailed guide to the characters and more.
‘The Footballest’: A Comprehensive Book Summary
Roberto Santiago’s ‘The Footballest’, originally titled ‘Los Futbolísimos’, is a captivating blend of football, humor, and mystery.
The story centers on Pakete, a young footballer who, along with his teammates, attempts to save their team, Soto Alto, from being disbanded.
Their journey is filled with twists, turns, and a mystery that needs solving, making the book a page-turner from start to finish.
‘The Footballest’ Movie Summary
Miguel íngel Lamata’s adaptation of ‘The Footballest’ captures the essence of the book while adding its own unique elements.
The film maintains the book’s humor and mystery, introducing exciting new elements.
With the same objective as in the book, Pakete and his friends must solve the mystery of the peculiar penalties that threaten their team’s existence.
A Parent Guide to ‘The Footballest’
As a parent, you might wonder if ‘The Footballest’ is suitable for your children. The answer is a resounding yes.
This film is a family-friendly sports comedy-drama that promotes teamwork, friendship, and problem-solving.
Its humor is age-appropriate, and while the mystery element adds suspense, it never becomes too intense or scary for younger viewers.
When and Where ‘The Footballest’ Takes Place
The story of ‘The Footballest’ unfolds in Soto Alto, a fictitious Spanish town.
The timeline of the story is contemporary, with the events taking place in the present day.
The primary settings include the football field, the school, and various locations around the town where Pakete and his friends conduct their investigation.
Exploring the Film Locations of ‘The Footballest’
While the story is set in the fictitious town of Soto Alto, the film was shot in various locations across Spain.
The football scenes were filmed in the town of Boadilla del Monte, while the school scenes were shot in Madrid.
The distinct Spanish architecture and vibrant streets add to the film’s visual appeal.
‘The Footballest’: Who’s Who in the Characters
In ‘The Footballest’, the main characters are Pakete, Helena, and Toni. Pakete, portrayed by Julio Bohigas-Couto, is the protagonist who rallies his team to solve the mystery.
María Pedraza plays Helena, a determined and intelligent girl who helps Pakete in his mission.
Toni, played by Milene Mayer, is the team’s talented goalkeeper.
Each character brings their unique personality and skills to the team, making for a diverse and interesting cast.
Memorable Quotes from ‘The Footballest’
A movie like ‘The Footballest’ is bound to have memorable quotes that resonate with the audience.
Here are a few:
- “Football isn’t just about winning, it’s about playing as a team.”
- “We may not be the best, but we are the footballest.”
- “You don’t have to be the best, you just have to want to be.”
The Soundtrack by Fernando Velázquez
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Fernando Velázquez, perfectly complements the story.
With its lively tunes and dramatic melodies, the music adds depth to the scenes, enhancing the viewing experience.
Curiosities and Hidden Details in ‘The Footballest’
‘The Footballest’ is packed with fun details and easter eggs.
For instance, the team’s name, Soto Alto, is a play on the Spanish phrase ‘sotobosque’, meaning undergrowth – a nod to the underdog status of the team.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Like ‘The Footballest’ Characters
Dressing up as your favorite ‘The Footballest’ character can be a fun activity for fans.
You can replicate Pakete‘s look with a football jersey, shorts, and a pair of football boots.
Helena‘s distinctive red hair and casual outfits make her an easy character to cosplay.
Roberto Santiago: The Brain Behind ‘The Footballest’
Roberto Santiago, author of the ‘The Footballest’, is a renowned Spanish writer known for his children’s literature.
He has written several successful series, including ‘Los Futbolísimos’ and ‘Los Forasteros del Tiempo’.
Unraveling the Ending of ‘The Footballest’
The ending of ‘The Footballest’ is satisfying, with the mystery solved and the team’s future secured.
It leaves room for potential sequels and spin-offs, which would allow fans to spend more time with these beloved characters.
Possibility of a Remake, Sequel, and Spin-off
Given the popularity of ‘The Footballest’, a sequel or spin-off isn’t out of the question.
While there’s no official announcement yet, fans are hopeful for more adventures featuring Pakete and his team.
Other Media by Miguel íngel Lamata
Miguel íngel Lamata, the director of ‘The Footballest’, is known for his work in Spanish cinema.
He has directed several successful films, including ‘Tensión sexual no resuelta’ and ‘Nacida para ganar’.
Similar Media to ‘The Footballest’
If you enjoyed ‘The Footballest’, you might like films like ‘Goal!’, ‘Bend It Like Beckham’, and ‘Champion’.
These movies also revolve around football and feature engaging storylines, relatable characters, and a balance of humor and drama.
Other Works by Roberto Santiago
Aside from ‘The Footballest’, Roberto Santiago has authored several other children’s books, including the ‘Los Forasteros del Tiempo’ series and ‘El ladrón de mentiras’, all of which are worth checking out.
Similar Media to Goleador – Il mistero degli arbitri addormentati
If you’re interested in similar media to ‘Goleador – Il mistero degli arbitri addormentati’, consider checking out the ‘Football Academy’ series by Tom Palmer or the ‘Goalkeeper’ series by Luigi Garlando.
Book Club Questions for ‘The Footballest’
- What do you think the book ‘The Footballest’ says about teamwork?
- How does the book balance humor and mystery?
- Which character did you relate to the most and why?
‘The Footballest’ in Video Games
There’s no official video game based on ‘The Footballest’, but fans can enjoy football-themed games like ‘FIFA’ and ‘Pro Evolution Soccer’ to feel a part of the action.
Travel Guide to Visit ‘The Footballest’ Locations
Visiting the locations where ‘The Footballest’ was filmed can be a fun experience.
Consider visiting Madrid and Boadilla del Monte, where you can see the football field, school, and other places depicted in the film.
Conclusion
‘The Footballest’ offers a delightful blend of football, humor, and mystery, making it a must-see for all ages.
Whether you’re a fan of the book, the movie, or both, this guide provides a comprehensive look at the world of ‘The Footballest’.
Dive in and enjoy the adventure!