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Once
A heart-pounding sports telenovela where the rhythm of the game beats in unison with the pulse of friendship, rivalry, and nascent dreams on a vibrant soccer pitch.
Once

Once

O11CE

19 June 2017 — 01 August 2020 Argentina 4 season 220 episode Returning Series 8.6 (1,489)

Cast: Mariano González, Sebastián Athié, Juan David Penagos, Luan Brum, Paulina Vetrano

Family Comedy Soap Teamwork vs. Individualism Perseverance and Hard Work Friendship and Loyalty Identity and Family

Overview

"Once" (also known as O11CE) follows Gabriel 'Gabo' Moreti, a talented and passionate teenage soccer player from the small town of Álamo Seco. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Sports Academic Institute (IAD) in Buenos Aires. Thrown into the competitive world of the IAD's renowned amateur team, the Golden Hawks (Los Halcones Dorados), Gabo must navigate the challenges of leaving his home, facing intense rivalries, and forging new friendships.

Across three seasons, the series charts the journey of Gabo and the Hawks as they compete in increasingly demanding tournaments, from the Intercup to the Continental and ultimately aiming for the World Cup. Beyond the field, Gabo's story is intertwined with a compelling personal mystery: the search for the identity of his father, a secret that connects him to his new life in unexpected ways. The narrative skillfully balances thrilling soccer sequences with the personal dramas of the young players, exploring their growth, setbacks, and the bonds they form as they chase their shared dream of becoming professional soccer players.

Core Meaning

The core meaning of "Once" is that talent is just the starting point, and true success—both on and off the field—is achieved through perseverance, teamwork, and integrity. The series champions the idea that overcoming personal rivalries and embracing collaboration is essential for collective victory. It consistently reinforces the message that challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities for growth, and that staying true to one's values and origins is the ultimate measure of a champion. The journey of Gabo and his teammates underscores that becoming a great player is intrinsically linked to becoming a better person.

Thematic DNA

Teamwork vs. Individualism 35%
Perseverance and Hard Work 30%
Friendship and Loyalty 20%
Identity and Family 15%

Teamwork vs. Individualism

This is the central theme of the series. Initially, the Golden Hawks are a fractured team, dominated by the ego of its star player, Lorenzo Guevara, who prioritizes individual glory. Gabo's arrival acts as a catalyst for change, as his collaborative and selfless style of play clashes with Lorenzo's approach. Throughout the seasons, the team's successes and failures are directly tied to their ability to play as a cohesive unit. The evolution from a group of talented individuals into a true team that trusts and supports one another is the primary arc of the Hawks.

Perseverance and Hard Work

"Once" consistently emphasizes that natural talent is insufficient without dedication. Gabo, despite his innate skill, constantly trains to improve. Characters face numerous setbacks, including losses, injuries, and personal conflicts. The series illustrates that pushing through these difficulties, learning from mistakes, and maintaining focus are crucial for achieving long-term goals. Lorenzo's character also embodies this theme, as he learns that his talent must be matched by a strong work ethic and a willingness to adapt.

Friendship and Loyalty

The bonds formed between the players are fundamental to the story. Gabo's close friendship with his roommates, Ricky and Dedé, provides a crucial support system. The series explores the complexities of loyalty, especially when team dynamics and personal ambitions conflict. Over time, even rivals like Gabo and Lorenzo develop a mutual respect that evolves into a brotherly bond, highlighting that shared goals and experiences can forge the strongest connections.

Identity and Family

A significant part of Gabo's journey is his search for his personal history, specifically the identity of his father. This quest runs parallel to his development as a soccer player. The theme explores how our past shapes our present and future. For Gabo, discovering his family's secrets helps him understand himself better and solidifies his place in the world. The IAD and the Golden Hawks also become a surrogate family for many of the players who are living away from home, redefining the concept of family around shared passion and support.

Character Analysis

Gabriel 'Gabo' Moreti

Mariano González-Guerineau

Archetype: The Humble Hero Key Trait: Incorruptible Integrity

Motivation

Gabo's primary motivation is his pure passion for soccer and his dream of becoming a professional player. This is coupled with a deep desire to honor his grandmother and the values she taught him. As the series progresses, an additional motivation becomes the search for his father's identity, which fuels his personal journey alongside his professional aspirations.

Character Arc

Gabo begins as a gifted but naive teenager from a small town. His journey at the IAD forces him to mature rapidly. Initially, he struggles with the intense rivalry, especially from Lorenzo, and the pressure of a high-stakes environment. Over the seasons, Gabo develops into a confident and inspiring leader. He learns to assert himself, navigate complex team politics, and handle the emotional weight of discovering his family's past. By the end of the series, he transforms from a talented boy with a dream into a professional player who understands that leadership is about empowering others, culminating in his signing with Atlético de Madrid.

Lorenzo Guevara

Sebastián Athié

Archetype: The Rival/Anti-Hero Key Trait: Driven Ambition

Motivation

Initially, Lorenzo is motivated by a desperate need to live up to the legacy of his father, Diego Guevara, and be the undisputed best player. He craves individual recognition. Over time, his motivation shifts towards achieving collective success with the team and earning genuine respect for his own merits, not just as his father's son. He also finds motivation in his complicated but ultimately strong bond with Gabo.

Character Arc

Lorenzo is introduced as the arrogant, individualistic star striker and captain of the Hawks. He views Gabo as a threat to his position and popularity. His arc is one of the most significant, as he undergoes a profound transformation from an antagonist to a respected teammate and brother to Gabo. This change is driven by learning to respect Gabo's talent, understanding the value of teamwork, and confronting the immense pressure from his father, a former soccer star. Lorenzo's journey is about shedding his ego to become a true leader, culminating in him becoming a key player for Juventus and a supportive brother.

Ricardo 'Ricky' Flores

Juan David Penagos

Archetype: The Loyal Friend Key Trait: Strategic Loyalty

Motivation

Ricky is motivated by his love for soccer tactics and his unwavering loyalty to his friends and the team. He finds satisfaction in helping the team succeed through smart play and by supporting his friends through their personal struggles. His goal is to be a dependable and integral part of the Hawks' success.

Character Arc

Ricky is one of the first friends Gabo makes at the IAD. He is a steadfast, logical, and observant player who always puts the team's needs first. His arc is less about a dramatic personality shift and more about growing in confidence and finding his own voice within the team. He often acts as the strategist and moral compass for his friends, particularly Gabo and Dedé. He develops from a reliable supporting player into an essential tactical mind for the Hawks, whose intelligence on the field is as important as his loyalty off it.

André 'Dedé' Duarte

Luan Brum

Archetype: The Comic Relief/The Heart Key Trait: Exuberant Passion

Motivation

Dedé is motivated by his passion for the game and his deep-seated desire to protect his team, both as a defender and as a friend. He is driven by his emotions and superstitions, which he learns to manage over time. His ultimate motivation is to prove to himself and others that he is a capable and strong player worthy of being a Golden Hawk.

Character Arc

Dedé is the humorous, superstitious, and big-hearted defender of the team and Gabo's other roommate. His arc focuses on learning to control his anxieties and channel his emotional nature into becoming a more consistent and reliable player. While often providing comic relief, Dedé's journey also involves overcoming his insecurities and self-doubt. He matures from a funny but often panicked player into a solid and dependable defender who the team relies on in crucial moments, learning to balance his personality with the focus required on the field.

Symbols & Motifs

The Number 10 Jersey

Meaning:

Symbolizes leadership, creativity, and the heart of the team. In soccer culture, the number 10 is iconic, often worn by the team's primary playmaker. It represents not just skill, but the responsibility to elevate the entire team's performance.

Context:

Gabo is assigned the number 10 jersey upon joining the Hawks. This immediately sets him up as a central figure and puts him in direct opposition to Lorenzo, the established star. The jersey is a constant visual reminder of Gabo's role and the expectations placed upon him throughout the series.

The Golden Hawks (Los Halcones Dorados)

Meaning:

The team itself symbolizes unity, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. The hawk represents vision, focus, and predatory skill, while 'Golden' signifies their aspiration for excellence and victory.

Context:

The identity of being a 'Hawk' is a source of pride for all the players. Throughout the series, the phrase "Somos Halcones" (We are Hawks) is used as a rallying cry, reinforcing their collective identity and reminding them to play for the team rather than for themselves.

Álamo Seco

Meaning:

Gabo's hometown represents his roots, humility, and the core values instilled in him by his grandmother. It is a symbol of the authentic self he must hold onto while navigating the competitive and often deceptive world of elite sports.

Context:

Gabo frequently reflects on his life and the lessons learned in Álamo Seco. His connection to his home serves as his moral compass, grounding him and reminding him of why he started playing soccer: for the love of the game. He returns there during breaks, reconnecting with his origins.

Episode Highlights

Season 1, Episode 1

S1E1

The first episode establishes the entire premise of the series. We are introduced to Gabo in his hometown of Álamo Seco, witness his incredible soccer skills, and see him receive the life-changing scholarship to the IAD from Francisco, the Hawks' coach. His arrival at the IAD immediately sets up the central conflict with Lorenzo Guevara.

Significance:

This episode is the catalyst for the entire series. It sets up Gabo's primary goal, introduces the main characters and the core rivalries, and establishes the key themes of dreams, ambition, and the challenge of adapting to a new world.

Season 1, Episode 80

S1E80

The season one finale features the dramatic final of the Intercup tournament. The episode is packed with high-stakes soccer action and emotional turning points for the characters. Gabo must lead the team, and Lorenzo has to make a critical choice between his ego and the team's success. The season ends with the Hawks winning the championship.

Significance:

This episode marks the culmination of the first season's arc. The Hawks' victory validates Gabo's team-oriented philosophy and forces Lorenzo to begin his transformation. It solidifies the team's bond and sets the stage for the greater challenges of the second season.

Season 2, Episode 40

S2E40

This mid-season episode often features a pivotal match in the Continental tournament, a step up in competition from the first season. It also contains a major revelation in Gabo's search for his father, creating significant emotional turmoil that he must overcome to perform on the field.

Significance:

It represents a key turning point where Gabo's personal life and professional career intensely intersect. The episode raises the stakes for the team in the tournament and for Gabo's personal journey, forcing him to mature and compartmentalize his emotions.

Season 3, Episode 20

S3E20

As the Hawks advance toward the World Cup, this episode features a crucial and challenging match. It showcases the fully evolved dynamic between Gabo and Lorenzo, who now play together as a formidable duo, demonstrating their complete character arcs. The personal relationship between them as brothers is also solidified.

Significance:

This episode highlights the peak of the team's synergy and the resolution of the series' central rivalry. It shows how far the characters have come since the first season, now working as a cohesive unit and a family, ready to face their ultimate challenge.

Season 3, Episode 60

S3E60

The final episode of the original series run. It depicts the culmination of the Hawks' journey in the World Cup and resolves the main characters' arcs. Gabo and Lorenzo achieve their dreams of becoming professional players, signing with major European clubs. The episode provides a sense of closure while celebrating the friendships and lessons learned at the IAD.

Significance:

This episode serves as the grand finale of the characters' formative years. It fulfills the promise of the series by showing the protagonists achieving their ultimate dreams, not just as individuals but as people who have grown together. It's a triumphant and emotional conclusion to their journey at the IAD.

Philosophical Questions

Is innate talent more important than relentless hard work?

The series explores this classic debate through the rivalry between Gabo and Lorenzo. Gabo represents raw, natural talent combined with a humble work ethic. Lorenzo, also talented, initially believes his superior skill entitles him to success without needing to fully integrate into the team. The series consistently argues that talent alone is a fragile gift. It is only when Lorenzo embraces rigorous training, discipline, and teamwork—values championed by Gabo—that he and the team achieve their greatest potential. The ultimate message is that hard work amplifies and sustains talent.

What is the true meaning of leadership?

"Once" presents multiple models of leadership. Lorenzo's initial captaincy is based on skill and intimidation. Gabo's eventual leadership is founded on inspiration, empathy, and leading by example. Coach Francisco Velázquez represents mentorship and strategic guidance. The series suggests that true leadership isn't about being the best player, but about making every player around you better. It's a journey from self-centered ambition to collective responsibility, a lesson Gabo embodies and Lorenzo must learn.

Cultural Impact

"Once" became a significant cultural phenomenon for young audiences across Latin America and in other regions where it was broadcast. Premiering in 2017, it tapped into the continent's profound passion for soccer, presenting it in a modern, aspirational telenovela format. The series provided positive role models who emphasized teamwork, discipline, and friendship, resonating strongly with its target demographic of children and teenagers. In many ways, it revitalized the youth sports genre for a new generation, blending high-quality sports choreography with relatable teen drama.

The show's success led to a high degree of fan engagement, from social media discussions to viewership of soccer-related content inspired by the series. For Disney, it represented a successful investment in local production with international appeal, showcasing talent from across Latin America. The series finale in 2019 was a major event for its fanbase, and the announcement of a revival for 2026 on Disney+ seven years later speaks to its enduring legacy and the continued demand from its audience. The tragic death of actor Sebastián Athié also had a profound impact on the show's community, with fans often gathering online to pay tribute, cementing the series' place in their hearts beyond mere entertainment.

Audience Reception

Audience reception for "Once" has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among its target demographic of young viewers and families. The series is frequently praised for its exciting soccer sequences, positive messages about teamwork and perseverance, and compelling character development. On platforms like IMDb, the show holds a high rating, reflecting strong fan appreciation. Viewers often highlight the relatable struggles of the teenage characters and the wholesome nature of their friendships. The central rivalry-turned-brotherhood between Gabo and Lorenzo is one of the most celebrated aspects of the show's narrative.

Criticism is minimal and generally focuses on the predictable nature of some plot points, which is common for the teen drama genre. There were no major controversial moments, as the show maintained a family-friendly tone throughout its run. The announcement of its cancellation after the third season was met with disappointment, but the subsequent news of a 2026 revival generated massive excitement, demonstrating the lasting positive impression the series left on its dedicated fanbase.

Interesting Facts

  • The series was produced in Argentina by Pol-ka Producciones in association with Disney XD Latin America.
  • The show is known as "Disney 11" in several non-Spanish speaking countries, including the UK and the Netherlands.
  • Sebastián Athié, the actor who played Lorenzo Guevara, tragically passed away in July 2020 at the age of 24.
  • The creator of the series, Jorge Edelstein, is also known for creating other successful Disney Latin America telenovelas like "Soy Luna" and "Bia".
  • The cast underwent extensive soccer training to perform the on-field scenes realistically.
  • A fourth season has been announced for a 2026 release on Disney+, which will reunite several original cast members, including Mariano González (Gabo), Luan Brum (Dedé), and Juan David Penagos (Ricky).
  • The upcoming fourth season is expected to address the absence of the character Lorenzo Guevara, paying tribute to the late Sebastián Athié.

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