The film is based on the novel by Tom Egbers, a Dutch sports journalist, which was adapted for the screen by Kees van Beijnum.

The novel fictionalizes the story of Steve Mokone, the first black player to play in a professional European league.

The movie is set in the 1950s, when soccer club SC Heracles from Almelo, in the rural east of the Netherlands, acquires an African player.

Steve Mokone makes Heracles a successful team, while changing every aspect of life in the small city.

Scott Foundas, writing for Variety, was not overly positive, criticizing its "holier-than-thou coming of age/race relations" quality.