Pelé: Birth of a Legend 2016
"A boy with nothing who changed everything."
Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016) brings the extraordinary rise of football icon Pelé to the big screen, tracing his journey from a humble boy in Três Corações to a global sensation.
Director: Jeff Zimbalist
Cast
Kevin de Paula
Pelé
Leonardo Lima Carvalho
Younger Pelé
Seu Jorge
Dondinho
Milton Gonçalves
Waldemar de Brito
Seth Michaels
Mário
Vincent D'Onofrio
Feola
André Mattos
Santos club's coach
Mariana Nunes
Celeste Arantes
Phil Miler
Narrator (voice)
Rafael Henriques
Yuri (14 year old)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016) about?
This drama chronicles the early life of Brazil's football icon, Pelé, as he overcomes poverty and societal expectations to become a world champion. The film focuses on his formative years, the challenges he faced, and the moments that shaped his legendary status.
Who directed Pelé: Birth of a Legend?
Jeff Zimbalist directed Pelé: Birth of a Legend, bringing a cinematic vision that balances raw intensity with emotional depth.
Who stars in Pelé: Birth of a Legend?
The film features Kevin de Paula as young Pelé, Leonardo Lima Carvalho as his teammate, and Seu Jorge as his father, alongside Milton Gonçalves and Vincent D'Onofrio in pivotal roles.
Is Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016) worth watching?
For fans of sports dramas and inspiring true stories, Pelé: Birth of a Legend delivers a compelling narrative with strong performances and an authentic setting. While it may not have a rated score on IMDb, its themes of perseverance and passion make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate underdog tales.
How long is Pelé: Birth of a Legend?
Pelé: Birth of a Legend has a runtime of 107 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016) — The Inspiring True Story of Football's Greatest
Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016) brings the extraordinary rise of football icon Pelé to the big screen, tracing his journey from a humble boy in Três Corações to a global sensation. Directed by Jeff Zimbalist, this dramatic retelling immerses viewers in the gritty streets of 1950s Brazil, where young Pelé's raw talent and unshakable determination collide with the pressures of a nation hungry for glory. The film captures the vibrant energy of the era, blending fiery passion with the weight of expectations as Pelé transforms from a nobody into a household name.
With a talented ensemble cast including Kevin de Paula as the young Pelé and Seu Jorge as his father, the movie delivers authentic performances that ground the story in both tenderness and intensity. Beyond the football field, themes of identity, legacy, and the cost of greatness unfold against a backdrop of societal change. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a lover of inspiring underdog tales, Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016) offers a cinematic experience that's as moving as it is electrifying.
