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'Cleat Cute': Sapphic Soccer Rivals Set to Ignite Screens in Upcoming Adaptation
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
In the wake of "Heated Rivalry"'s massive success, which captivated audiences with its tale of rival hockey players navigating a secret romance, attention has turned to "Cleat Cute" as the next big sapphic sports romance. "Cleat Cute" adapts Meryl Wilsner's 2023 novel, centering on Grace Henderson, a 26-year-old autistic forward on the U.S. women's national soccer team, and Phoebe Matthews, a sunny rookie midfielder with ADHD who replaces her after an injury. The story unfolds as the team gears up for the World Cup, with Grace and Phoebe clashing on the field before their rivalry evolves into a friends-with-benefits dynamic and eventual lovers' bond, embodying the popular "black cat-golden retriever" trope.
The project gained momentum in mid-2024 when it was optioned by Future Shack, the production company founded by retired soccer star Megan Rapinoe and basketball legend Sue Bird. Rapinoe and Bird expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to be working with Future Shack to bring Wilsner’s wonderful book to life. Having spent most of our lives on teams, we want to celebrate the ways in which relationships, both romantic and platonic, are organically created through sports. "Cleat Cute" will not shy away from the messiness, occasional frustration, and undeniable beauty that come with loving the game and the players within it.” This involvement lends authenticity, as both athletes are prominent figures in LGBTQ+ sports advocacy, with Rapinoe being an openly lesbian icon and Bird identifying as lesbian.
"Cleat Cute" stands out for its focus on sapphic relationships written by a queer author, ensuring scenes that prioritize mutual pleasure and consent without catering to a male gaze. ScreenRant notes that in the book, Grace and Phoebe communicate openly about their desires, portraying healthy sex as enthusiastic and person-centered, which contrasts with many mainstream depictions. This approach aligns with broader calls for nuanced LGBTQ+ stories in sports, where queer athletes often face unique pressures. The series highlights neurodiversity through Grace's autism and Phoebe's ADHD, offering inclusive portrayals of disabled queer women excelling in elite athletics.
The timing feels prescient amid "Heated Rivalry"'s dominance, a gay hockey romance adaptation of Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" series starring Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov. That show's blend of intense competition and explicit intimacy has topped charts, sparking demand for similar sapphic content. "Cleat Cute" fills this gap, shifting from ice to grass while maintaining high-stakes drama. PinkNews describes it as a "perfect fit" for fans craving lesbian cleat chasers, emphasizing the enemies-to-lovers arc as Grace, the serious veteran, warms to Phoebe's playful energy.
Development updates have been sparse since the 2024 announcement, a common timeline for book-to-screen adaptations that can span years. Optimism persists due to Future Shack's track record and the surging popularity of "spicy" LGBTQ+ sports romances, as evidenced by "Heated Rivalry"'s instant chart-topping success on HBO Max. No casting or release date has been confirmed, but the project's alignment with real-world growth in women's soccer—fueled by stars like Rapinoe—positions it for impact.
LGBTQ+ perspectives underscore the series' potential. Autostraddle and Pride.com have highlighted 2025's wave of sapphic projects, from Sydney Sweeney's Christy Martin boxing biopic to other queer sports tales, signaling a renaissance. For transgender and neurodiverse viewers, "Cleat Cute"'s inclusive lens could normalize diverse identities in professional sports, where visibility remains limited. While other sapphic films like the Cinemalaya entry with Janella Salvador and Jasmine Curtis-Smith explore romance, "Cleat Cute"'s team sport focus amplifies communal queer bonds.
As production progresses, Cleat Cute represents a milestone for sapphic stories, blending athletic rigor with romantic heat. Its arrival could further normalize queer love in sports media, inspiring athletes and fans alike.
