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6 Unforgettable Movies About Pele

As an avid soccer fan, some of my most treasured cinematic memories involve films featuring the legendary ±Ê±ð±ôé. When I first discovered the iconic 1981 film Escape to Victory as a wide-eyed child, I was transported into the world of Allied prisoners taking on their Nazi captors in a riveting match featuring one of the greatest athletes of all time. Even in the fantastical realm of cinema, ±Ê±ð±ôé demonstrated his magical talents in inspiring fashion.

Decades later, the compelling documentary ±Ê±ð±ôé left me marveling at his larger-than-life persona both on and off the pitch. Getting an intimate glimpse into how his electrifying play and groundbreaking achievements helped unite Brazil during a turbulent political period was unforgettable. Whether it’s witnessing his otherworldly finesse firsthand or learning about his profound cultural impact, ±Ê±ð±ôé’s cinematic legacy stirs my passion for the beautiful game and reminds me of the transcendent power great athletes can wield. Reliving his indelible moments on the screen allows me to reconnect with the childlike wonder I first felt every time he took the field.

Here are 6 unforgettable movies about Pele

1. Escape to Victory (1981)

During World War II, Allied prisoners of war were held in a German camp. To boost morale, the Germans organized a soccer match between the prisoners and a German team. The prisoner team was led by the legendary Captain John Colby (Michael Caine). The Allies secretly planned to escape during the match. On game day, the German team took an early lead. But the Allied team made a thrilling comeback with some inspired play. Just when they seemed poised to win, the German officers tried stopping the match. This led the prisoners to launch their daring escape plan. The movie built tension around the prisoners’ bold bid for freedom through the suspenseful soccer match.

2. Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016)

This movie follows the inspiring rise of soccer legend ±Ê±ð±ôé as a young boy in Brazil. Born in poverty as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, ±Ê±ð±ôé had an amazing natural talent for soccer. As a teenager, he joins the Santos Football Club and leads them on an incredible winning streak. Despite his youth and small stature, his breathtaking skills and speed electrify fans and revolutionize the sport. He soon becomes a national hero in Brazil as he leads his country to its first-ever World Cup victory in 1958 at just 17 years old. His improbable journey from humble origins to global superstardom showed how dedication and perseverance can help turn dreams into reality. The movie captures his meteoric ascent to becoming the “King of Football.”

3. ±Ê±ð±ôé Forever (2004)

This documentary celebrates the spectacular career of Brazilian football icon ±Ê±ð±ôé. It follows his life from his early days as a young boy playing with a sock stuffed with newspapers in the slums of Brazil. From there it traces his meteoric rise to fame as he guides Brazil to multiple World Cup victories with his dazzling skills. It highlights his historic moments like his stunning bicycle kick goal and the iconic image of him leaping into the arms of a teammate. With interviews and archival footage, the film showcases jaw-dropping plays and career milestones that earned him the reputation as “The King” of football. It captures how his flair, talent, and unprecedented 1,283 goals transcended the sport and mesmerized the world during his decades of greatness.

4. Once in a Lifetime (2006)

This documentary charts the rapid rise and fall of soccer in the 1970s through the New York Cosmos. In a major gamble, the Cosmos signed Brazilian legend ±Ê±ð±ôé, the greatest player of all time, to bring soccer into the American mainstream. ±Ê±ð±ôé’s dazzling talent, celebrity power, and sheer charisma jolted interest in the lackluster North American Soccer League. Suddenly, soccer was cool as rock stars and celebrities flocked to Cosmos games. Behind the scenes, shady dealings hid dire finances. When ±Ê±ð±ôé retired in 1977, interest plummeted. Without their star and sinking under bad management, the Cosmos embodied soccer’s thrilling, but brief, promise to captivate America. Their crazy path blazed trails but led to eventual ruin.

5. ±Ê±ð±ôé: The King of Football (2018)

This recent documentary explores the extraordinary life of ±Ê±ð±ôé, the Brazilian footballer widely regarded as the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. It chronicles his improbable journey from humble origins playing with a sock stuffed with paper to all-time legend. Through archival footage and interviews, it showcases his mind-boggling skills, speed, and goals, like his audacious midair strike in the 1970 World Cup. It follows his record-breaking career with Santos and Brazil, three World Cup wins, and the immense pressure he faced as a national hero. This tribute to his athletic brilliance, barrier-breaking achievements, and global celebrity influence confirms why ±Ê±ð±ôé remains soccer’s immortal icon, the eternal king still capturing the world’s imagination generations later.

6. ±Ê±ð±ôé (2021)

This definitive documentary depicts ±Ê±ð±ôé’s extraordinary journey from Brazilian poverty to becoming soccer’s first global superstar and national hero. Through archival highlights and interviews, it showcases his athletic brilliance – mesmerizing dribbling skills, thunderous headers, and his iconic midair strike. It chronicles how he propelled Brazil to three World Cup victories, scoring a record 1,283 goals along the way. It spotlights his complex life beyond the pitch as well, with worldwide fame bringing extreme pressures that challenged him. Featuring emotional testimony from ±Ê±ð±ôé himself, former teammates, and experts, it encapsulates how his barrier-breaking talent and achievements transcended sports to captivate audiences worldwide for decades, cementing his legacy as football’s immortal king.

As I watched these iconic films, I found myself mesmerized anew by ±Ê±ð±ôé’s genius. Through dramatic reenactments and thrilling footage, they transported me back to his daring exploits, audacious goals, and world domination that forever changed football. I truly witnessed firsthand in awe how this creative dynamo with the ball enthralled and inspired past and future generations as the immortal King ±Ê±ð±ôé.