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Eva Longoria knows a good business deal when she sees one. The actress, filmmaker, producer, and businesswoman is involved in all sorts of projects, especially those that highlight her culture and stand up for the things that matter to her. Her latest project is Club Nexaca, a Mexican soccer team that's seen better days. A new documentary series explores Longoria's journey towards Aguasfrias, Mexico, becoming one of the club's investors and playing a key part in keeping a town's dreams alive.
Longoria revealed that while she was anxious to get involved, Mexicans welcomed her and even granted her a nickname.
"I'm Mexican-American and I'm Mexican through and through in my culture. But I am American by nationality. And then I was a woman in a man's sport. So yeah, there was a lot of anxiety," said Longoria to "On The Red Carpet."
"But they received me with open arms and they've given me a nickname, 'La Patrona.' So once you get a nickname in Mexico, you're pretty much in."
When it comes to the documentary itself, Longoria is incredibly proud of it. "You're going to fall in love with these players. You're going to fall in with our characters, the technical team, the coaches," she said.
"You can't write that emotion and drama in scripted shows and movies that you get with a vérité docu-series in sports. It's like the stakes are so high every week because every game matters."
Longoria's investment in sports
Over the past few years, Longoria has branched out into different businesses and directions, pursuing the things that pique her interest. She has a Tequila company and is an investor in various sports teams, including Necaxa and Angel City FC, the women's soccer team in Los Angeles, co-owned by many notable women, among them, America Ferrera, Natalie Portman, Sophia Bush, and more.
In an interview with ESPN, Longoria revealed that it's important for her to paint Mexicans in a positive light.
"I think we're in a moment where we need to remind people of the positive things that come out of Mexico and our community," she said. "More than a business opportunity, I knew that I wanted to tell their stories."