Jaiyah Saelua is making history playing for the world's worst international football team and throwing the spotlight on diversity in sport, at the same time.

She plays for the American Samoa and she's the world's first transgender player to take part in a competitive international match.

"The [Polynesian] culture allows transgender people... to be comfortable in their own skin so they can reach their highest potential in life," said Saelua, who is a member of Polynesia's fa'afafine or "third gender".

Saelua stars in the British documentary Next Goal Wins, which follows the American Samoa national football team.

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