Once

Gabo is a teenager who lives and breathes soccer, and when a scholarship to the Sports Academic Institute in Buenos Aires opens up for him, his life gets a big shake. Moving into a school where sport and study are intertwined, he chases a spot on Los Halcones Dorados, the amateur team with a reputation for producing pros. The show follows his training, friendships, rivalries and the everyday pressures that come with trying to rise through the ranks, while also showing the family and school dynamics that shape his choices. It keeps the focus on growth and relationships without giving away how his ambitions play out.

Released in 2017, the series was directed by Sebastián Pivotto and created by Jorge Edelstein, Marcos Osorio Vidal and Javier Castro Albano, filmed with a clear Argentine school and football setting.

Audiences responded well, reflected in a strong user rating of 8.637/10 from nearly 1,500 votes. Critics and viewers praised the performances of the young cast and the way the series treats themes like teamwork, ambition, friendship and the balance between sport and everyday life, making it accessible to families as well as teen viewers.

The show found a lively young audience, especially among soccer fans and school-age viewers, who shared scenes and moments on social media. Its focus on a school club and the routines of training helped shine a light on youth sports programming, and the characters sparked fan discussions and online communities that traded favorite moments and match highlights.

While it didn’t pick up major industry awards, it managed to earn solid viewer support and steady word of mouth, which kept it visible after release. The believable cast dynamics and realistic soccer sequences made it a touchstone for viewers looking for a light, sports-centered family drama with heart.