Picture Credit: Netflix
While millions of Brazilians dream of a world title, their country is struggling with political unrest and a military dictatorship. Against that backdrop, the national team heads to the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where one of the greatest football teams ever assembled is about to make history. With Brazil ’70: The Third Star, Netflix brings this remarkable chapter of sports history to life.
The series shows how sport, politics, and national pride became deeply intertwined during one of the most difficult periods in Brazilian history. The country was under military rule, and the players weren’t just carrying the hopes of millions of fans; they also found themselves caught up in a much larger political game.
Football remains the beating heart of the series, and that’s exactly where Brazil ’70: The Third Star shines brightest. The match recreations are exceptionally well done. More than once, it feels as though you’re right there on the pitch. The filmmakers clearly have a deep love for the sport, and they recreate iconic moments with impressive attention to detail. The matches take on an almost mythical quality, with goals, dribbles, and game-changing moments presented on a grand scale without ever feeling over-the-top or unrealistic. I’m already eager to watch the making-of material and see how it was all put together.
The acting deserves plenty of praise as well. Lucas Agrícola delivers a highly convincing performance as Pelé. His resemblance to the football legend is striking, but more importantly, he portrays Pelé as a real person rather than an untouchable icon. The series explores how the superstar struggles with his place in a politically divided country and the immense burden of being Brazil’s national hero. That pressure often leaves him feeling isolated, and the show handles those moments in a very believable way.
BRASIL 70. Lucas Agrícola as Pelé, Gui Ferraz as Jairzinho in Brasil 70. Cr. Alexandre Schneider/Netflix © 2025
Brazil ’70: The Third Star aims to be more than just a straightforward retelling of a sporting triumph. The political situation in Brazil receives plenty of attention without turning the series into a dry history lesson. The military’s influence on the national team and the pressure placed on the players are woven naturally into the story. As a result, the show works both as a football drama and as an engaging piece of historical storytelling.
Does it ever become truly suspenseful? Not really. We already know how the story ends. Still, the series remains engaging from start to finish thanks to its impressive production values, strong performances, and the human stories behind the legends.
MVP
There really isn’t a weak link in the cast. Every actor delivers a believable performance. That said, Lucas Agrícola stands out as Pelé. As the emotional centre of the team and the series itself, he carries much of the story on his shoulders. His portrayal of a leader dealing with political pressure, overwhelming expectations, and profound loneliness feels authentic throughout and gives the series much of its emotional weight.
Verdict
With Brazil ’70: The Third Star, Netflix once again proves just how far Brazilian productions have come in recent years.
Much like Senna, this series feels ambitious yet more polished and better suited to an international audience. It’s a beautifully crafted sports drama that brings a legendary World Cup team to life while also painting a fascinating picture of a turbulent period in Brazilian history. The performances are excellent and the production quality is consistently impressive. It’s a series that succeeds both as a sports drama and as a portrait of a nation going through one of the most challenging chapters in its history.
