Pelé: Birth of a Legend 2016

Under the mentorship of manager Vicente Feola, young Pelé (played by Kevin De Paula) rises to stardom, harnessing his unique street football talents to lead Brazil to an unexpected victory in the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden, facing off against the reigning Olympic champions, the Soviets.

The Brazilian team, which boasts a diverse and mixed-race lineup, finds itself navigating a series of hurdles, including a backdrop of injuries that complicate their journey toward the finals, ultimately relying on the skills of the 17-year-old reserve player.

Back in 1950, we meet Dico, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento. At this point in his life, he is a young boy hustling to make ends meet by polishing shoes. He and his friends play football with a makeshift ball made from discarded clothing. During this period, Brazil faces off in the World Cup final against Uruguay. His mother, Celeste, disapproves of Dico’s growing obsession with football and wishes for him to focus on supporting the family, which is struggling financially. In stark contrast, his father, Dondinho, a former footballer, encourages Dico’s aspirations.

The heartbreaking loss in the 1950 final, 2-1 to Uruguay, leaves a profound impact on Dico, who vows to his weeping father that he will one day secure the World Cup for Brazil. Celeste frequently reminds Dico of his father’s untapped potential in the beautiful game, which was tragically cut short by injury, forcing him to take up janitorial work.

While assisting his mother in cleaning a wealthy household, Dico learns that Waldemar De Brito, a former Brazilian footballer and scout, is searching for new talents for his club. Dico’s aspirations lead him to dream of becoming a player like Pelé, even though his friend José teases him with the nickname, which sticks over time.

José Altafini “Mazzola” (portrayed by Diego Boneta), comes from a wealthy family and takes pleasure in bullying Dico. During the selection trials, Dico’s team struggles financially, lacking proper footwear. Faced with defeat, Dico’s friend helps them secure some old shoes just in time for their match against José’s snobbish team.

The climactic final match sees Dico initially down 6-0, but with unwavering spirit and keen focus on his father in the audience, he plays barefoot and showcases his natural ability, bringing the score closer to 6-5 by the end. The buzz around Dico’s talent grows, catching the eye of Brito, who soon attempts to recruit him despite Celeste’s strong opposition. Following some tough training sessions with Dondinho, Pelé receives the chance he dreams of, joining the Santos football club at just 15 years old, despite initial struggles and a lack of confidence.

With Brito’s encouragement about the rich history of football, Pelé takes charge of his playing style, shaking off the shackles imposed by his coach. His phenomenal skills earn him a spot on both the junior and professional teams, eventually culminating in his selection for the Brazilian team in the 1958 World Cup—despite only being 16 years old.

As the team prepares, their coach, Feola, battles with the tension between adopting the traditional Ginga style versus modern European tactics, which had previously contributed to Brazil’s loss in the 1950 final. Pelé struggles with this balancing act but ultimately finds his rhythm again, leading to an inspiring series of performances.

In the decisive matches—the group stage against Austria, a tense game against England, and a challenging encounter with the Soviets—Pelé defies the odds while battling through physical limitations, demonstrating sheer determination. The semi-final against France proves to be a crucial turning point, as Pelé regains his confidence and plays true to his roots, scoring a hat-trick to lead Brazil to a 5-1 victory.

As they reach the final against Sweden, the local team is determined to neutralize Pelé’s influence. However, inspired by the support of the crowd, he channels the Ginga style, evading defenders and collaborating seamlessly with his teammates. With a thrilling performance that leads him to score two goals, Pelé helps Brazil secure a stunning 5-2 victory in the final.

By 1961, Pelé is hailed as a national treasure, going on to win two more World Cups in 1962 and 1970, and etching his name into history as the youngest player ever to win a World Cup at just 17 years old. He remains the only athlete to have achieved the remarkable feat of winning three World Cups, cementing his legacy in the annals of football history.