Mario Lopez Cast in The Goal

By James Wray Jan 4, 2005, 14:01 GMT

Mario Lopez has signed on to play the lead in a Brazilian soccer drama feature film, 'The Goal'. Principle photography is scheduled for November 2005 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and Miami, Florida. The film is executive produced by Spike Lee and Paolo Sadri, President of the newly formed TMG Films. Art Sims has written the screenplay and will make his debut directing 'The Goal'.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of this project which is about the greatest soccer team in the world, Brazil, and which will feature some of the most amazing world-cup soccer players, such as Romario, Ronaldo, Denilson, Rivaldo, and Roberto Carlos," Lopez said. Other actors in consideration for 'The Goal' are Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Sting, Sonia Braga, and Javier Bardem.

'The Goal' follows the heart-wrenching journey of Topone, a young man who rises from the infamous favelas (ghettos) of Rio de Janeiro to become the number one soccer player in the world. During the Brazilian championship, tragedy strikes and Topone is in danger of losing his soccer career forever, when he is traded to the United States.

"I am honored to work with Spike Lee and other amazing talent on this project," said Sadri. "I am especially excited to go back to Brazil and work on a film about soccer, which has always been my favorite sport."

Note not to be confused with Danny Cannon's 'Goal!', details of that trilogy in the database.