The Dream Begins) is a 2005 British sports drama film directed by Danny Cannon from a screenplay by Mike Jefferies, Adrian Butchart, Dick Clement, and Ian La Frenais.

trilogy and stars Kuno Becker, Alessandro Nivola, Marcel Iureș, Stephen Dillane, and Anna Friel.

Santiago Muñez, a Mexican illegal immigrant living in Los Angeles, is a skilled footballer who plays for his local team and works as a gardener with his father, Hernan, and as a busboy in a Chinese restaurant.

During one of his matches, Santiago is approached by Glen Foy, a former player and scout for Newcastle United, who helps arrange a trial with the club.

Santiago's grandmother, Mercedes, secretly hands him money and urges him to depart for England before Hernan can find out.

During a medical, Santiago lies about his asthma to club nurse, Roz Harmison, fearing it will damage his chances of being signed; he is then given a one-month contract.

Santiago soon adapts to English conditions and a reserve match is scheduled at the end of his trial to determine his signing on a full-time basis.

On his way to the airport, Santiago's taxi picks up Gavin Harris, an indisciplined, struggling yet talented player who recently joined Newcastle.

In the final minutes of injury time, Santiago assists Gavin for the equalizer, however, a draw will not be enough to earn Newcastle a place in the UEFA Champions League.

[5] Originally the lead role was supposed to be played by Diego Luna but he left to pursue other projects and was replaced by Kuno Becker.

Shooting for the film commenced in January 2005 and locations included Pinewood Studios, London, Newcastle, and Los Angeles.

Dave Sardy, a producer of two Oasis albums, contributed a remix of their song "Morning Glory" for inclusion on the soundtrack.

The soundtrack also marked the full return of alternative rock group Happy Mondays with their song "Playground Superstar".

[16] In 2021, Newcastle signed a Mexican-American striker named Santiago Muñoz, noting the remarkable similarity to the film.