Pelé: Birth of a Legend

Pelé: Birth of a Legend.
Production poster
Directed by
Written by
  • Jeff Zimbalist
  • Michael Zimbalist
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMatthew Libatique
Edited by
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
companies
Distributed byIFC Films
Release date
  • May 6, 2016 (2016-05-06) (United States)
Running time
107 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguagesEnglish
Portuguese
Box office$2.3 million

Pelé: Birth of a Legend is a 2016 American biographical film about the early life of Brazilian footballer Pelé and his journey with Brazil to win the 1958 FIFA World Cup. The film was directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, starring Kevin de Paula, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, Diego Boneta, with Colm Meaney, and a cameo of Pelé himself. The film focuses on the relationship between the character Pelé and his father. Filming took place in Rio de Janeiro between September 2013 late 2014.

The film was released to a negative critical response, with film critics pointing out flaws in the narrative, criticising the lack of depth.