A film due to be released this year charts his meteoric rise from a 10-year-old known as Dico to a World Cup hero at the age of 17.
“Coming by the set made me feel so blessed to be a part of such a talented family who are all coming together to tell the story of my life. The two young actors who will play my younger self will be true stars, as their skills both on screen and on the football pitch proved,” said the 73-year-old when he visited the film set at the end of last year.
“The directors, Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, are committed to making a film that celebrates a living icon. From a life full of disadvantages and an impoverished youth in Brazil, Pele used his unorthodox yet authentic style of play and his unbeatable spirit to overcome all odds, find greatness and inspire a country that he changed forever,” says promotional material about the film.
The film culminates with the 1958 World Cup final when Pelé’s two goals helped Brazil beat hosts Sweden 5-2, after which the prolific striker was famously pictured weeping uncontrollably in goalkeeper Gilmar’s arms.
