The Brazilian football star Pelé is surrounded by superlatives: world footballer of the 20th century, sportsman of the century, best footballer of all time. Pelé's unique feeling for the ball, his joy of playing and his unconventional style are his hallmarks. But where do the roots of the football king lie? The feature film "Pelé: Birth of a Legend" tells of the beginnings, of childhood and youth in poor circumstances, of balls made from laced-up socks, of juggling with fruit. And it tells of "Ginga". Originally the basic step of capoeira, the fight dance of the slaves, today ginga stands for rhythm, the art of movement. Ginga is acrobatics and grace, Ginga is Brazil - and Pelé.
The Brazilian football star Pelé is surrounded by superlatives: world footballer of the 20th century, sportsman of the century, best footballer of all time. Pelé's unique feeling for the ball, his joy of playing and his unconventional style are his hallmarks. But where do the roots of the football king lie? The feature film "Pelé: Birth of a Legend" tells of the beginnings, of childhood and youth in poor circumstances, of balls made from laced-up socks, of juggling with fruit. And it tells of "Ginga". Originally the basic step of capoeira, the fight dance of the slaves, today ginga stands for rhythm, the art of movement. Ginga is acrobatics and grace, Ginga is Brazil - and Pelé.