What is the name of the 2016 biography film about Pelé?

The 2016 biography film about Pelé is titled Pelé: Birth of a Legend. The film dramatizes his early life and rise from a poor boy in Brazil to an international football star.

Directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, the film focuses especially on Pelé’s childhood, his development of the distinctive Brazilian style known as ginga, and Brazil’s victory at the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Kevin de Paula portrays the young Pelé, while other roles include Vincent D’Onofrio as coach Vicente Feola and Rodrigo Santoro as an older Pelé.

The story connects Pelé’s personal struggles with Brazil’s national football identity. The 1950 World Cup defeat to Uruguay deeply affected his family and became part of the story of his promise to help Brazil win the tournament.

The title is sometimes confused with documentaries or unofficial tribute names. Pelé: Birth of a Legend is the specific 2016 American biographical drama, and Pelé himself appears in a cameo.