Few moments in sporting history are as instantly recognisable as the image of Brandi Chastain falling to her knees in celebration at the 1999 Women’s World Cup final. After scoring the decisive penalty against China, the US defender tore off her jersey in a moment of pure triumph, resulting in an image that would become symbolic of a turning point for women’s sport.
Now, that moment — and the story of the team behind it — is coming to screen in The 99’ers, Netflix’s upcoming drama about the United States women's national soccer team and their historic run at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Set against the backdrop of a sold-out stadium and record-breaking global viewership, the series chronicles the athletes and administrators who helped reshape the future of women’s football. So, how do the actors weigh up to the real-life legends they're portraying? Get acquainted with exactly who’s playing who in The 99ers, below.
Julia McDermott as Brandi Chastain
Actor Julia McDermott is taking on the role of Brandi Chastain, the defender whose decisive penalty secured the championship for the United States.
Chastain’s celebration became one of the most famous images in sports history, symbolising both the magnitude of the victory and the cultural shift happening in women’s athletics at the time.
As for McDermott, you might recognise her from her leading stage role in Weather Girl.
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Zoey Deutch as Marla Messing
The series also explores the figures behind the scenes. Zoey Deutch plays sports executive Marla Messing, who played a key role in the organisation and promotion of the 1999 tournament. Messing’s leadership helped turn the event into a landmark moment for women’s sport, drawing record crowds and global attention.
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Emily Bader as Mia Hamm
Emily Bader plays legendary forward Mia Hamm, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Already a global star by 1999, Hamm helped elevate the visibility of women’s soccer in the US and beyond, becoming one of the sport’s most recognisable figures. Given their striking resemblance, it's not hard to see why Bader scored this role — but she's also got an impressive resume, from My Lady Jane, to People We Meet On Vacation.
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Emilia Jones as Julie Foudy
Midfielder and team leader Julie Foudy will be portrayed by Emilia Jones. Foudy was known not only for her skill on the pitch but also for her advocacy for women’s sport, later becoming a prominent broadcaster and activist for gender equality in athletics. British actress Jones is best known for her roles in CODA, The Running Man, and Task.
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Perry Mattfeld as Michelle Akers
Perry Mattfeld will portray Michelle Akers, one of the team’s most dominant and respected players. Akers was already a pioneer of the women’s game, known for her physical playing style and leadership during the early years of international women’s football.
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Shaunette Renée Wilson as Briana Scurry
Goalkeeper Briana Scurry is played by Shaunette Renée Wilson. Scurry’s performance throughout the tournament proved critical, including the dramatic penalty shootout in the final that ultimately set the stage for Chastain’s winning kick. It's a slightly different kind of role for Wilson, who is best known for playing Dr. Mina Okafor in The Resident.
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Annabel O’Hagan as Carla Overbeck
Captain Carla Overbeck is played by Annabel O’Hagan. Overbeck’s leadership was instrumental throughout the tournament, guiding the team through intense matches and the immense pressure of playing in front of a record crowd.
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Lizzy Greene as Kristine Lilly
The longest-serving player in international football history, Kristine Lilly, will be portrayed by Lizzy Greene. Lilly’s versatility and longevity made her a cornerstone of the US squad for decades, including the historic 1999 campaign. Greene got her start as a child actress on Nickelodeon's Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, but more recently, you might recognise her from her role in Ransom Canyon.
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Isabelle Fuhrman as Joy Fawcett
Defender Joy Fawcett will be played by Isabelle Fuhrman. Known for her composure and consistency in defence, Fawcett helped anchor the back line during one of the most high-stakes tournaments in women’s football history. Fuhrman, who found stardom
as Esther in Orphan, will be trading the horror genre for the soccer field.
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