Sylvester Stallone has shared an amusing yet insightful recollection of his time working alongside soccer legend Pelé during the filming of the 1981 sports war film, *Escape to Victory*. In a recent interview with *The Rest Is Entertainment*, the 80-year-old actor reflected on his unexpected encounter with the power of Pelé’s kick, which left a lasting impression on him and even resulted in an injury.
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The film, which is set against the backdrop of a Second World War German prison camp, centres on a group of Allied prisoners who are coerced into playing an exhibition football match against their captors. Stallone, who starred as one of the prisoners, admitted that he initially held a rather dismissive view of football, believing it looked relatively straightforward. However, his perspective quickly changed when he experienced Pelé’s formidable talent first-hand.
Stallone recounted a specific incident while they were filming, during which Pelé demonstrated how to strike a ball accurately. The actor noted that this was during a time when footballs were considerably heavier and more challenging than those used today. “And in World War II, the balls were like bowling balls,” he said. “They’re smaller, thick, brown leather. And it was steel toe shoes. Can you imagine?”
During the demonstration, Pelé asked Stallone to position himself in the goal, promising to inform him exactly where the ball would land. Buoyed by his confidence, Stallone responded with, “Pssh, try your best.” Little did he know the strength behind Pelé’s kick. As Pelé launched the ball towards him, Stallone instinctively raised his hands to defend himself, but the shot was incredibly forceful.
The result was dramatic. “There was an old World War II net,” Stallone detailed, “so it tears through the net, and we have prisoner of war bunkers with a metal grate over the window. Bang. Broke the windows. That’s the power of his kick. That’s how good he was.” The actor’s hands were not spared in the encounter either, as he recalled, “Pelé broke my finger in that thing,” highlighting just how much he underestimated the sport at the time.
Pelé, who passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed over 1,000 goals, cementing his legacy in the world of sports. His exceptional skills on the pitch were celebrated internationally, earning him a status that transcended the game itself.
Stallone’s stories underscore not only the legendary status of Pelé but also the extraordinary physicality associated with professional football during that era. The actor’s experience serves as a reminder of the sport’s demanding nature, particularly before advancements in gear and training techniques were developed in contemporary football.
The filming of *Escape to Victory* became a memorable chapter for Stallone, not just for the film’s plot but also for the unexpected lessons learned from a footballing icon. The actor expressed that while he may have been sceptical about the sport early on, his encounter with Pelé transformed his understanding of football’s challenges.
As far as cinematic experiences go, working alongside Pelé remains a highlight for Stallone. The two superstars, each masters in their respective fields, created a unique bond during the production. Their collaboration brought football to audiences in a compelling narrative, while also recounting a piece of history and the resilience of the human spirit.
In summary, Stallone’s reflections on his time with Pelé highlight the remarkable abilities of the late footballer and the enduring friendships that can develop in the realm of Hollywood. The memories from *Escape to Victory* not only entertain but remind us of the intersection of sports and cinema, capturing moments that resonate beyond the screen.
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