The Ultimate Goal: Independence
Synopsis
Delve into the story of the Algerian footballers who traded European pitches to join the fight for independence. In 1958, in the midst of the War of Independence, talented players secretly left their clubs to form the FLN team – a living symbol of the Algerian people's struggle. This clandestine team, banned by FIFA, served as a mouthpiece for the Algerian provisional government until 1962. Footballer Rachid Mekhloufi explained: “This departure of the best Algerian players playing in France was no accident. With the control of the media, few French people knew what was happening in Algeria. The FLN representatives in France were ahead of the curve in terms of publicity. Truly ahead of the curve, because a move like this allowed the French people and the rest of the world to open their eyes.”
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in United States.
Top cast
Mohamed Boumezrag
Self (archive footage)
Mokhtar Arribi
Self (archive footage)
Mohamed Allam
Self (archive footage)
Rachid Mekhloufi
Self
Mustapha Zitouni
Self (archive footage)
Kaddour Bekhloufi
Self (archive footage)
Abdelaziz Ben Tifour
Self (archive footage)
Abderrahmane Boubekeur
Self (archive footage)
Abdelhamid Kermali
Self (archive footage)
Abdelhamid Bouchouk
Self (archive footage)
