Netflix has officially cast Emily Bader as legendary American soccer star Mia Hamm in its upcoming sports biopic The 99’ers. The film brings one of the most iconic moments in women’s sports history to the screen with a strong focus on legacy.
The project is reportedly inspired by Jere Longman’s 2000 book The Girls of Summer: The US Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World. It centres on the US Women’s National Soccer Team’s historic 1999 World Cup triumph.
That victory remains unforgettable for its tense penalty shootout win against China in the final. The moment not only defined the tournament but also transformed the global perception of women’s football.
The film traces Mia Hamm’s journey from a teenage prodigy to a worldwide sports icon. She made her senior national debut at just 15 in 1987 and soon became one of the most influential figures in women’s soccer.
Across her career, Hamm won multiple World Cup titles and Olympic gold medals. She was named FIFA World Player of the Year twice and retired as the highest international goal scorer with 158 goals.
The 99’ers will be directed by Emmy Award winner Nicole Kassell, known for HBO’s Watchmen. Netflix continues to back distinctive stories, and the spotlight now rests on whether this biopic can match the impact of its real-life inspiration.
