Wait for me, dammit!
Over here, Bastien!
You'll be the death of me.
You like kicking a ball?
-Wanna play? -I can't.
-Why not? -Because I'm a girl.
So what?
Put this on, and run onto the pitch.
Go on.
What's up, boys? Never seen a girl before?
She has two feet just like you, so she can use them too.
A change won't hurt you.
You're really good.
-Yes? -18.
Very good.
6 x 4?
Come on, pass the ball!
Just look at it!
I can't afford new clothes and shoes every week.
I want sneakers and joggers. Dresses suck, Mom.
I'm going to work, but I won't be late.
Go see your sister, there's pasta in the pan for dinner.
-I wanna come with you. -That's not possible, honey.
I'm a good cleaner, I can help you.
Come on, go to your room now.
Here we are.
Don't tell Dad.
-It's our secret. -Okay.
Go on, run!
And have fun.
Hi!
Let's go! Everyone in their places.
Put on a jersey, Marinette.
Well played, Marinette!
Go, baby!
Go, sis!
Yeah, that's good!
Come on, champ!
Let's go, Marinette, all on your own!
We won!
-You killed it, sis. -I'm so proud of you.
You're the best.
We won. I scored the goal.
What the hell do I care?
Now get out!
Asshole!
-Do your daughters have symptoms? -No.
Inhale once more.
Okay.
Did you hurt yourself? That's quite a bruise.
You can get dressed.
Did you suck him off, is that it? To get the kid on the team?
Mom!
Lower your goddamn eyes!
Fucking women.
-What are you doing? -I'm leaving.
I'm not staying another minute near that bastard.
-Mom! -She's 18.
You can't leave us!
I'm sorry, sweetie.
It'll be OK...
This is all your fault. You should divorce him.
Hi, boys.
-You OK? -All good.
-Hi, Marinette. -You OK?
Go, go!
Let's get moving!
Start with two laps of the pitch.
Swing your arms!
Du pétrole.
In English, it's notpetrol , it's oil.
Another "false friend" for us French:
I eventually decided to come for diner.
Give us another example of a "false friend".
A douchebag.
OK. Very funny.
You really need to start working, otherwise you'll never get anywhere.
I don't give a shit, I'm gonna be a pro soccer player.
That's not a career!
And I'm the Queen of England!
Back down to Earth. Parent-teacher books.
She has to ease up on the soccer,
at least until her grades improve.
-Soccer's all I have, you idiot! -Marinette!
In 6 months I'll be 16 and out of this shithole!
Your wife has 12 broken ribs,
a punctured lung, a crushed thorax, and a fractured knee.
She's in a coma.
I'm sorry.
It's my fault.
If I'd come home with her...
Don't say that.
Don't.
-You see the girl? -Bullshit.
Please give a big hand to the boys and also to the girl...
And yes, that's progress, apparently.
...of FC Brienne le Château and Phocéa Marseillais
for this junior final.
Hey, pussy, get the fuck off the field. Go play with your dolls!
Drop it, Marinette.
Come on, pussy!
I don't believe it!
Don't let the girl trample you!
Yeah!
Come on, guys! Can't you even control a girl?
Equalize, and fast!
Open your eyes.
Thanks, Mom!
19 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT
She's so good!
Damn!
Hey, Pichon, you ugly bitch!
What did you say? I didn't catch that.
Say it again. What did you say, bitch?
-What do you want? -Break it up!
She started it.
-Slut. -The "slut" wasn't necessary.
You girls are a pain in the ass.
Break it up, nothing to see here.
Screw the Federation!
I'm as good, even better than all the guys.
It's fucking unfair!
If it was only up to me...
The Federation won't accept mixed teams over 16.
I've tried everything.
And you've already had a dispensation.
So where do I go now?
Mom? What are you doing?
-What are you doing? -I'm tired of telling you to tidy up.
What is it with you? Where did I go wrong?
-You're hurting me! -Don't you think I suffer enough?
Do you have to make it worse?
You stink of booze, you're an embarrassment just like your father!
Go wash up, I got you a job.
Marinette!
SAINT-MEMMIE OLYMPIQUE WOMEN'S SOCCER CLUB -TRIALS
Ready...
What a kick.
16, you say?
That's right.
Juggle 50 times, if the ball falls, get off the field.
OK, let's go!
-Well done. -Thanks.
I'd like you to join Olympique, Marinette.
OK.
Over here!
At the back we're fine, but there's no one midfield.
Up front, no shots on goal.
There's no communication, that's not normal!
Talk to each other, call out.
I want energy. We can win this, we're the best!
Let's go! Energy!
Come on, we can win.
Use the slower pace to help your precision.
It's up to you to adapt.
Work on your positioning, lead the team!
Inspire them!
Hey, Pichon! Stop leering! We want to see your ass too!
Even in foosball you steal my shot!
-For Marinette, hip hip... -Hooray!
-Hip hip... -Hooray!
She's really...
She's really phenomenal!
He's gonna kill me!
I'll slit your throat, whore!
One more step and I'll have you bleed!
Get your mother out of here, or I'll kill her!
Little whore!
I can't throw my mother on the street!
Hello, may I speak to Marinette, please?
-I'm Marinette. -Hello.
I'm Aimé Mignot, the French national coach.
I'd like you to join us and integrate the French team.
If you're in, see you in Clairefontaine. We're eager to have you.
-Who was that? -The national team wants me.
I'm so proud of you! That's great!
CLAIREFONTAINE FRENCH NATIONAL SOCCER CENTER
Not that way, missy.
That's the boys' kingdom.
We're in the outbuildings.
One day, maybe...
Aimé Mignot.
-Marinette, right? -Hello.
Come with me.
The stables aren't bad, you'll see.
So, are you going up to 1st Division this year with your club?
-That's the plan. -I hope it works out.
Now, girls, let's get down to specifics.
Attackers with me: Titi, Nanou and Marinette.
3 against 2 on one half. Corinne and Sonia on defense.
The rest go with Gilles. Let's go!
Triangle, girls.
Over here.
Work as a threesome!
Three? She can't even play!
Are you an attacker?
-Yeah. -Yeah?
Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
She's asleep.
Oh, damn! A nightmare.
She can't play.
-Back to the start. -Unbelievable.
We're not out of the woods yet.
Those three are so charged, sparks will fly.
A good challenge for them.
I see you made new friends.
-What's their problem? -The competition. You.
Why? There's room for everyone.
She's cute!
No worries with us, we're defenders.
-Could I have some bread and butter? -In your dreams!
Diet.
Black market. I'm on it.
Come on!
Shit, I don't believe it! That's not how you shoot!
Titi's giving her a hard time.
They're just testing each other.
Piss off.
Bring her off.
Brigitte, replace Titi.
Titi!
What? No! Why don't you take her off?
-Titi, give it up. -I'm not coming off!
You may be the star on your redneck team,
but here, you're obviously not on our level.
Titi, get off!
Cry baby.
So, girls,
tomorrow's match is obviously rather unique.
It's the first ever female opener for the French men's team.
Some of you will be disappointed...
But please don't take it personally.
As you know, in friendly games,
I like to try out new formations.
-So, Marinette, you'll take Titi's place. -What?
You're kidding, what the fuck?
For years we've played in empty stadiums,
and now you give new recruits the limelight?
She's hasn't given a damn thing to this team!
-Titi! -I'm not a sheep. I won't shut up!
I'll never stop you from speaking,
but do so with respect.
So, Marinette replaces Titi, backed up by Stéphanie and Brigitte in midfield...
Thanks.
-What's this? -210 francs, your compensation.
Check the envelope for the coin. They're stingy.
Not bad!
Seriously? Know how much the guys make?
And coming on the field now, the Belgian team and the French team.
Go France! Go France!
SAINT-MEMMIE OLYMPIQUE PROMOTED TO 1ST DIVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME
Hi, Marinette.
-I'm a huge fan. Bravo. -Thanks a lot.
I'm Sophie, I play tennis in Saint-Memmie.
-Nice to meet you, Sophie. -You too.
I'm gonna get changed, I'm soaked.
Maybe see you later at the club party.
All right, tennisman?
Tenniswoman! Forgotten my name?
Not at all, Sophie.
-You smoke? And you're an athlete? -I know, it's bad.
-Champagne? -Sure.
Thanks.
What do you like to do in life other than smoke and drink?
Admire you playing.
I saw you a few weeks back, at Maud's party.
-You did? -We've met before.
-I've never... -Don't worry, leave it to me.
Looks like Titi's out of the squad.
-What happened? -No idea. Don't go there.
The way's clear for you now.
I love you.
Girls! Let's be honest.
Becoming the first female national recruiter in France
is an honor. I'm very proud.
I'll be under scrutiny, but you're an excellent group,
the best female team we've ever had.
So I'm not worried.
I guarantee to shake up French women's soccer.
Meaning: professional status, same as men?
-Amateurism doesn't pay the bills. -Can we sleep at the chateau?
-Rome was not built... -In a day!
Nanou!
-I'm back! -I'm glad.
-You OK? -Yes.
The return of the prodigal daughter.
The coach called me as soon as she was appointed.
"You're our best attacker," she said.
"We can't qualify for the Euros without you."
She begged me until I said yes!
Titi is back!
There you go, that's good.
I know.
That's good.
Superb.
-Move! -Easy, girls!
-Easy, girls. -I didn't touch her!
Save it for the Brits the day after tomorrow.
-You OK, Marinette? -Yes.
Show me your ankle.
-I'm fine. -Titi!
It wasn't me! She fell, OK?
-What a faker! -I'm fine.
Over here.
Come on!
How could he miss it?
He's under too much pressure.
Come on, France!
Bullshit match!
I can't stand your fucking face, understand?
That's it, go and cry, loser!
Tomorrow we use a 4-4-2 formation.
Sandrine in goal.
At center-back, Sandy, Brigitte,
you'll be flanked by Katia,
with Titi to the right and Nanou to the left
on the attack.
Substitutes will be Sandra, Virginie, Georges
and Marinette.
So you can rest for the next game, Marinette.
As for the Brits, let's cut them to pieces.
We won't give them an inch, friendly match or not.
See, she's taken her things and gone.
Shit!
Find her.
She's gone to her mother's.
-What's going on? -I'm being treated like shit.
I'm not welcome on this team!
I don't want to be there.
Marinette, come back here.
Tomorrow we take off at 7 PM.
We'll talk about it then.
Be there, or you'll regret it.
Miss Pichon, refusing a selection to the national team
is a serious offense.
We have voted to exclude you from the French national team
with a complete ban from playing soccer including 1st Division
for a period of 6 months,
with immediate effect.
A whim, they called it.
-Have you come to lecture me? -Not my style.
I'm never going back there.
You have no idea what it was like.
I cried myself to sleep every night.
I don't give a shit if I continue only in 1st Division.
-That'll show them. -If you say so.
I do.
18 MONTHS POST-EXCLUSION
Concentrate when you pass!
Julie!
Why is she here?
She wants you for the Euros. She needs a striker.
I have other plans for you
than picking up dog crap and stagnating in 1st Division.
After the Euros, there's the World Cup.
So do what you have to do, and swallow your pride.
You don't fool me. I know you're dying to go back.
This is your only chance, so take it.
Start again.
That's it. Move, you're too static.
-All right, Marinette? -Yes.
I talked to the girls. It's gonna be OK.
We start from scratch, OK?
Great.
2001 UEFA -EUROS
NORWAY -FRANCE 3 -0
You are a bunch of selfish little shits!
I've never seen anything like it!
Yet again, they'll say: "Women are more difficult."
"Always having catfights."
"At least the men can put aside their rivalries."
The press will love it!
Are you willing to sacrifice the Euros?
Are you fucking crazy, or what?
You two.
Titi and Nanou.
Finished.
You'll be watching the next game from the stands.
No, why?
This is Mark Krikorian,
coach for Philadelphia in the US,
and Pia...
-Sundhage. -Assistant coach.
Nice to meet you.
What?
-You have a hell of a kick. -Thanks.
You'll need to improve your English.
Mom?
Mom, are you home?
You monster!
You fucking monster! You'll pay for this!
You'll go to jail, I'm calling the police!
You piece of shit!
How could you?
You're disgusting!
Stop!
Stop! I called the police!
Come here!
Come on.
$6,000 a month, before game bonuses.
Do you accept?
That'll make a change from the 150 bucks a match you get now.
MARINETTE'S LAST MATCH IN 1ST DIVISION
Nice job!
Nice job, Marinette!
Just a word for Marinette.
She's been our pride and joy at Saint-Memmie for all these years.
Good luck in the US.
If you don't fit in, come back and see us.
You'll always be welcome here.
In a majority verdict,
the Court is convinced of the guilt of Mr. Ghyslain Pichon
for the rape of his mother-in-law,
a crime to which he confessed without remorse.
Consequently, the Court sentences Mr. Ghyslain Pichon
to ten years' imprisonment.
A woman opens the soccer season's transfers:
Marinette Pichon will play in the US, having signed her first pro contract.
She is the top goal scorer for the French national women's team.
2002 PHILADELPHIA - USA
It's a pleasure to play with you, Marinette.
I'm Anne Makinen.
-You speak French? -A little.
I'll stick with you, then.
It's even prettier at night.
I mean...
-It's magnificent. -Incredible!
Look how high we are!
The bed is enormous!
We'll be so happy here, Mom.
We can sleep in any direction!
La purée.
And what about these?
Les petits pois.
-Les what? -Les petits pois.
Shit!
We can eat what we want? There's no diet?
I know you'll make it.
You're strong, my girl. You just need to find your feet.
Believe me.
We didn't come here for nothing.
We won't give up.
They'll see...
-Marinette! -Stop it!
You know that clock we can see from the hotel?
It really reminds me of that.
You'll make it, sweetie.
Don't worry.
-Sorry. -Don't worry.
You've been voted top US goal scorer for the second year running.
-Congratulations. -Thanks.
It's great to finally get recognition from my own country's media.
Hey, we've always followed you.
Before coming to the US, I was never on French news.
What's it like here compared to playing in France?
-Women's soccer is taken seriously. -And not in France?
Well, here we have professional status,
with a salary to match, which allows us to dedicate ourselves and develop.
On weekends, stadiums are full, which brings in money.
That's funny. So in the US, is football, or soccer,
a women's thing?
I'm not sure it's funny,
but here, women are in the spotlight and the French Federation should note that.
2003 MVP AWARD CEREMONY
2003 FIFA WORLD CUP - USA
NORWAY - FRANCE 2 -0
The Norwegians... Fuck it, they were beatable!
I don't get it, girls!
We should've beat them easily.
At least 3-0!
What's wrong with you?
In training you're monsters, and now what?
We're the first French women to play in a World Cup!
Did we come all this fucking way for nothing?
Do you want to win the Cup, or not? I can't hear you.
-Do you want to win? -Yes.
It doesn't look like it! Now, get this.
We're gonna start behaving
like the World Champions we're about to become!
-Yes! -No defeats.
From now on, no more defeats!
We're gonna crush the Koreans!
FRANCE -SOUTH KOREA 1 -0
The Brazilians are stronger than us on paper,
but they're over-confident and we'll use that against them
because we're more clever.
So it's simple:
we set it up, we push forward, we shoot, we score,
we win, OK?
-What will we do? -Win!
-What? -Win!
Come on.
-What will we do? -Win!
Come on, get them!
FRANCE -BRAZIL 1 -1
Marinette, you gave it all you could.
This is the first World Cup, not the last.
It'll be OK.
You'll stay with us tonight.
I'm so ashamed.
2004, THE WOMEN'S UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION GOES BANKRUPT
Don't let her get by!
Give up soccer, you filthy dyke!
What did you say? Say that again!
Open your homophobic mouth again and I'll report you! Got it?
I'm fine!
Give me the ball.
Come on, Marinette, show him!
Come on!
Yes!
She's so good.
Thank you so much.
2005, MARINETTE IS VOTED BEST PLAYER AND TOP GOAL SCORER OF 1ST DIVISION
-You're the love of my life. -Likewise.
2006, Marinette is voted best player and top goal scorer of 1st Division
-If we had the right, I'd marry you. -No, I'd marry you.
I want to have a child with you.
What was America like?
It was big in every sense, and very inspiring.
It's clear women's soccer has a long way to go in France.
Like getting professional status, for example.
And more than one pair of socks per player wouldn't be a luxury either.
Anyway, your presence here is a good sign.
It requires results, too.
Your elimination from the World Cup...
Frankly, there'll be no results without the Federation's engagement
to improve playing conditions and our professional status.
That requires their political will.
Do you think women's soccer can attract crowds like the men's?
Why not?
One last question, if I may. Are you homosexual?
Yes. What does that have to do with soccer?
Sir, what color's your underwear?
Does it improve your performance as a journalist?
Marinette, the French team must win against England.
What's your approach?
We'll respect the English, but we'll trample them if need be.
The most important thing is to qualify for the World Cup.
-Thanks, Marinette. -Thank you.
Good luck.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 2007 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Goal for England by Fara Williams.
Come on, girls, motivation! Don't give up!
The match ends in a 1-1 tie,
qualifying England for the next World Cup in China
Bravo to France for their journey and good luck to England.
Thanks to all of you for the large turnout...
I imagine you're deeply disappointed.
How do you feel?
We played badly, it's true.
What was missing?
For me, what just happened is the failure of a system.
How can we measure up to professional players,
when we're not even paid?
We train for all hours at night after working all day to earn a living.
The Federation has zero consideration.
How do you expect us to bring in results?
It's totally hypocritical!
They sweet-talk the press:
"Women's soccer is the future", but in reality, nothing changes.
What are they waiting for to give us pro status?
I'm so angry.
I've given my all to soccer,
and it has repaid me, saved me even.
But right now, I owe it nothing.
It was an honor to wear this jersey all these years.
-But it's over. -You mean your career?
Thanks, Marinette.
What are you doing?
Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.
MARINETTE BECOMES FRENCH SOCCER'S TOP GOAL SCORER, MEN AND WOMEN COMBINED.
UNTIL 2020, SHE HELD THE RECORD OF 81 GOALS
IN 112 MATCHES FOR FRANCE.
SHE WAS THE FIRST FRENCH SOCCER PLAYER, MALE OR FEMALE,
TO SIGN A PRO CONTRACT IN THE USA.
SHE SCORED 300 GOALS THROUGHOUT HER CAREER.
IN FRANCE, WOMEN PLAYERS STILL DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL STATUS.
-Are you gonna score? -Yes.
-Go on. -Have fun!
IN 2012, MARINETTE AND INGRID BECAME MOTHERS TO A BABY BOY
THROUGH ASSISTED REPRODUCTION IN BELGIUM.
IN 2013, THEY WERE ONE OF THE FIRST SAME-SEX COUPLES
TO BE LEGALLY MARRIED.