Guys and Balls 2006

In the charming German town of Boldrup, Ecki, portrayed by Maximilian Brückner, lives with his parents who run a local bakery. The town is steeped in a fervent love for football, a sport that not only unites the community but also defines Ecki’s life. Having played for FC Boldrup since he was a child, his talent on the field is evident, marked by his passionate dedication to the game.

However, everything changes during a critical match when an unfortunate mistake by Ecki during a penalty shootout leads to a disastrous loss for the team. Following the defeat, a chaotic party ensues as teammates attempt to drown their sorrows in alcohol. Amidst the aftermath of this calamity, Ecki is abruptly cut from the team. His dismissal, ostensibly about the missed penalty, conceals a more profound truth: his romantic involvement with teammate Tobias, which has become public knowledge.

Unyielding and determined, Ecki embarks on a quest to establish a new football team, motivated by a desire to reclaim his dignity and seek vengeance against his former teammates. With the help of his sister Susanne, who lives in Dortmund, he sets off on an unusual recruitment journey. His search leads him to a variety of unexpected venues, such as kebab shops and leather bars like ‘Steel Tube’, where he discovers fellow football enthusiasts who share his passion.

Throughout this journey, Ecki encounters unique talents, including a dynamic Brazilian duo named Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, and an unsuspecting bookseller named Klaus who surprises everyone with his remarkable soccer skills. As Ecki’s new team begins to form, he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Sven (David Rott), marking a beautiful chapter in his romantic life.

To prepare his newly assembled team for the challenges ahead, Ecki seeks the expertise of Karl (Rolf Zacher), a veteran player who left the game after experiencing a heartbreaking defeat in his own career. As the crucial day of competition nears, Ecki’s team faces off against their historical rivals. Despite a rocky start, they eventually rise to the occasion, leveraging the very prejudice that once sought to undermine them, ultimately leading to their triumph.