‘Brazil 70’ on Netflix: First Updates on the High-Stakes Story Behind Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Triumph

Published 02/25/2026, 9:50 AM EST

In the summer of 1970, football crossed the threshold from sport to spectacle. Brazil’s clash with Italy became folklore written in sweat and sunlight. By the time the dust settled, a golden generation had etched its brilliance into history, and one name rose above the roar: Pelé, the player who transformed national expectation into everlasting legend.

Now, more than five decades later, Netflix is revisiting that incandescent chapter with a prestige miniseries, Brazil 70, and the first updates suggest the resurrection.

Brazil 70: A first look at the Netflix retelling

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

A two-minute teaser reminiscing Pelé has dropped, and it plays like a drumroll. The footage opens on the players stepping onto the pitch, boots grazing sacred grass, before cutting to a radio commentator addressing the nation with operatic urgency. The crowd roars, the camera lingers on anxious faces, and the weight of expectation hangs heavy.

Titled Brazil 70: The Third Star, the fiction miniseries produced by Netflix in collaboration with O2 Filmes chronicles Brazil’s campaign toward their third World Cup title.

The premiere is set for May 29, positioning it as must-watch event television.

Behind the camera, the project carries serious pedigree.

Directors: Pedro Morelli, Paulo Morelli

Creators: Naná Xavier, Rafael Dornellas

Writers: Felipe Sant’Angelo, Naná Xavier

Producers: Paulo Morelli, Pedro Morelli, Cris Abi, Guto Gontijo

The key cast features Bruno Mazzeo, Lucas Agrícola, and Rodrigo Santoro anchoring the ensemble, along with several other recognizable figures in guise.

  • Rodrigo Santoro as coach João Saldanha
  • Bruno Mazzeo as Mário Zagallo
  • Lucas Agrícola as Pelé
  • Caio Cabral as Carlos Alberto
  • Ravel Andrade as Tostão
  • Gui Ferraz as Jairzinho
  • Marcelo Adnet as Eusébio Teixeira

But this is not merely a retelling of beautiful goals on a sunlit pitch. With Brazil 70: The Third Star joining Netflix’s ambitious 2026 global slate, the series is placed as a prestige historical drama.

The story behind the Third Star

Set during one of the most volatile chapters in Brazilian political history, the miniseries unfolds amid a repressive phase for the country. On the field, there was rhythm, flair, improvisation, off it - censorship, surveillance, and the weighty expectations of unity through victory. The narrative dives deep into the emotional and psychological crucible surrounding Pelé, Tostão, Félix, Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho, Gérson, Rivellino, and coach Zagallo as they prepared to shoulder a nation’s fractured hopes. 

Filmed across Brazil and Mexico, the production meticulously reconstructs the historic final of the 1970 FIFA World Cup. On June 21, 1970, Brazil defeated Italy 4-1. At halftime, the score stood 1-1. Then came the transformation. Pelé rose above defenders with authority.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Gérson dictated the orchestra’s tempo. Jairzinho extended his scoring streak with clinical certainty. And Carlos Alberto’s emphatic strike, born from a sweeping, almost balletic team movement, became the gold standard of collective football. 

That triumph delivered Brazil its third World Cup title and permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy. More importantly, it reshaped football’s tactical and aesthetic vocabulary forever. If the teaser is any indication, Brazil 70: The Third Star aims to bottle that electricity, the fear, the flair, the fever. 

Netflix's 'Pride & Prejudice' 2026 Full Cast List: Who Plays Who and Where Have You Seen Them Before

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Will you be watching when the third star rises once more with Netflix's Brazil 70? Share your thoughts in the comments.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Sarah Ansari

285 articles

Sarah Ansari is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, transitioning from four years in marketing and automotive journalism to storytelling-driven pop culture coverage. With a background in English Literature and experience writing across NFL, NASCAR, and NBA verticals, she brings a research-led, narrative-focused lens to film and television. Passionate about exploring how stories are crafted and why they resonate, Sarah unwinds through sketching, swimming, motorsports—and yearly winter Harry Potter marathons.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK