The filmmakers initially aimed to cast established actors for the role of Pelé, but they ultimately chose a young, inexperienced actor, Kevin de Paula, to better reflect Pelé’s journey from childhood.

Why it matters: This decision provided authenticity to Pelé’s character, allowing viewers to witness the transformation of a raw talent into a legendary player, making the film's emotional core stronger.

During the recreation of Pelé's iconic games, actual footage of the matches from the 1958 World Cup was directly integrated into the film's scenes, allowing for a seamless blend of dramatic reenactments and authenticity.

Why it matters: This use of real footage elevated the storytelling by grounding it in historical accuracy, giving viewers a vivid sense of the era and enhancing their emotional connection to Pelé’s achievements.

To accurately represent Brazil’s favelas in the 1950s, the production team used detailed research to recreate the environment authentically, sometimes going so far as to use local experts and historical photos.

Why it matters: This commitment to realism helped portray Pelé’s humble beginnings and the socio-economic challenges he faced, enriching the biographical narrative and adding depth to the visual storytelling.

The film's soundtrack features a blend of contemporary and traditional Brazilian music, involving collaborations with both established musicians and local artists to root the film in cultural authenticity.

Why it matters: This musical approach resonated with audiences by enhancing the emotional undertones of the scenes, connecting them more deeply to Pelé’s Brazilian identity and the vibrancy of the sport.

Director Jeff Zimbalist had a long-standing fascination with Brazil and its culture, which fueled his passion for telling Pelé's story authentically, making countless trips to Brazil during production.

Why it matters: Zimbalist’s connection to the story infused the film with a personal touch, making it not just a sports biopic but a heartfelt exploration of resilience and passion, enhancing the film’s narrative style.

Kevin de Paula underwent extensive soccer training for months prior to filming, working with real coaches to ensure his movements and techniques mirrored Pelé’s iconic playing style.

Why it matters: This rigorous preparation allowed de Paula to deliver a credible performance on the field, blending athleticism with acting, which contributed greatly to the film’s realistic portrayal of soccer.

Pelé actively collaborated with the filmmakers during the production, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that shaped the storytelling process.

Why it matters: His involvement added an authentic lens to the narrative, ensuring that key moments were portrayed accurately and reflecting Pelé’s true character, ultimately enriching the film’s authenticity.

The film includes a focused depiction of the rivalry between Pelé and Garrincha, highlighting their on-field dynamics through extensive research and game analyses.

Why it matters: This rivalry not only emphasizes the competitive spirit of the time but also provides depth to Pelé’s story, illustrating how collaboration and conflict shaped Brazilian soccer and Pelé’s career.

The filmmakers chose to depict Pelé's life chronologically, allowing audiences to witness his progression from child to star in a structured narrative that reflects his personal journey.

Why it matters: This chronological storytelling engages the audience by creating a relatable arc, helping them to emotionally invest in Pelé’s struggles and triumphs along the way.

Local residents from Brazilian favelas were often involved as extras during filming, adding a layer of community authenticity to the portrayal of Pelé’s roots.

Why it matters: Involving the local community not only enriched the film’s cultural context but also gave a voice to the real-life experiences of those who lived in similar circumstances, cranking up the film's emotional resonance.

Actors were trained to communicate in Portuguese, with a focus on accurate accents and dialects to reflect the Brazilian context of Pelé’s upbringing.

Why it matters: This linguistic detail helped add a layer of realism, fostering a genuine connection with Brazilian audiences and ensuring that the dialogue felt authentic to Pelé's origins.

The cinematographer used unique handheld camera techniques to create a more intimate and dynamic feel during soccer matches, simulating the energy of being on the field.

Why it matters: This choice enhanced the audience's experience, making them feel immersed in the action and excitement of the games, which is central to understanding Pelé's perspective and passion for soccer.

The film features cameos by actual soccer legends during match scenes, including former teammates of Pelé, who added credibility to the film's portrayal of soccer culture.

Why it matters: These appearances not only gratified fans but also deepened the film's connection to the real-world soccer community, further emphasizing Pelé’s lasting legacy within the sport.

Costumes were designed using careful research based on real photographs and historical documents from the 1950s Brazilian soccer scene, ensuring authenticity.

Why it matters: This attention to detail helped transport viewers to the time and place where Pelé rose to fame, making the era feel palpable and helping to educate audiences on the rich culture of Brazilian soccer.

During outdoor filming, the crew faced unexpected heavy rains that turned fields into mud, forcing them to adapt creatively and incorporate the adverse conditions into the scenes.

Why it matters: This altered production challenge ultimately added a gritty realism to the films’ portrayal of soccer, showcasing the struggles players faced, thereby enhancing the authenticity of Pelé’s journey.

Director Jeff Zimbalist cited the film 'The Pursuit of Happyness' as an inspiration for portraying the triumph over adversity narrative, particularly in how it depicted an underdog story.

Why it matters: This influence helped to shape the film's emotional core and thematic focus on resilience, allowing the audience to identify with Pelé’s struggles and victories on a deeper level.

Pelé shared touching personal stories from his life that were directly integrated into the script, ensuring the narrative felt genuine and personal.

Why it matters: This allowed audiences to connect emotionally with Pelé’s character, fostering an understanding of him not just as a soccer player but as a human being with real-life challenges and triumphs.

The film’s production team engaged real soccer referees to oversee the reenactments of matches, ensuring the rules and gameplay were accurately represented.

Why it matters: This level of detail heightened the tension and realism of the match scenes, allowing fans to enjoy these segments as true-to-life representations of Pelé’s historic accomplishments.

Initial test screenings revealed that audiences were particularly moved by the father-son dynamic portrayed in the film, prompting the filmmakers to further develop those emotional arcs.

Why it matters: This feedback led to a more compelling relationship narrative, which ultimately enriched the film’s emotional landscape and made Pelé’s story even more relatable for viewers.

The filmmakers worked closely with Brazilian cultural consultants to ensure they accurately depicted customs and traditions, avoiding potential misrepresentations.

Why it matters: This diligence reinforced respect for Brazilian culture, helping the film resonate positively with local audiences while honoring Pelé’s identity and upbringing.

The film not only chronicles Pelé's career but also highlights the socio-political context of Brazil during his rise, including classes and racial dynamics at the time.

Why it matters: By weaving these themes into the narrative, the film offers viewers a broader understanding of how Pelé's success transcended sports, becoming a symbol of hope and change for many in Brazil.