TV Brasil airs Pelé and Garrincha docs this Friday

TV Brasil airs “This Is Pelé” and “Garrincha: Joy of the People” on Friday (Jan 9), ahead of its 2026 football broadcasts.

One day before TV Brasil kicks off its 2026 football season, the public broadcaster will screen two landmark documentaries on Pelé and Garrincha this Friday (Jan 9), starting at 9 pm. Live matches return over the weekend with coverage of state championships aired in partnership with stations from Brazil’s National Public Communication Network (RNCP).

Two cinema classics

At 9 pm, TV Brasil shows “This Is Pelé” (1974), directed by Eduardo Escorel and Luiz Carlos Barreto and narrated by Sérgio Chapelin. At 10:15 pm, the channel follows with “Garrincha: Joy of the People” (1962), directed by Joaquim Pedro de Andrade and narrated by Heron Domingues.

Both titles are also available on the TV Brasil Play app, bringing fans iconic footage of two players who shaped Brazil’s sporting identity.

“This Is Pelé”: World Cups and milestones

“This Is Pelé” revisits key chapters of Edson Arantes do Nascimento’s career, from his World Cup campaigns to decisive goals and signature plays. The documentary highlights Brazil’s matches in the 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 tournaments.

The film also features scenes of Pelé in Santos and archival images from his farewell to the Brazilian national team at Maracanã in 1971. It recalls the 1,000th goal scored in 1969 and the 1962 Intercontinental Cup final against Benfica.

Alongside celebrations, the documentary includes moments that show the sport’s physical side and closes with more footage from Pelé’s 1971 farewell and a goal in Garrincha’s last commemorative match in 1973.

Credits: Brazil, 1974. Documentary. Directors: Eduardo Escorel and Luiz Carlos Barreto. Narration: Sérgio Chapelin. Rerun. 75 min. Content rating: general audiences.

“Garrincha”: peak years and everyday life

“Garrincha: Joy of the People” focuses on the peak of Manuel Francisco dos Santos’ career. It recalls Brazil’s World Cup triumphs in 1958 and 1962 and Garrincha’s rise at Botafogo, where he made the No. 7 jersey iconic.

The documentary alternates match footage with scenes from daily life, including training routines and pre-game preparation. Players from that era appear on screen, such as Zagallo, Jairzinho and goalkeeper Manga.

With narration by Heron Domingues, the film shares stories about Garrincha’s life, including his connection to Pau-Grande, a district of Magé in Rio de Janeiro state. On the pitch, the highlight is his classic dribbling, goals and unmistakable style.

Credits: Brazil, 1962. Documentary. Director: Joaquim Pedro de Andrade. Screenplay: Joaquim Pedro de Andrade and Luiz Carlos Barreto. Narration: Heron Domingues. Rerun. 60 min. Content rating: general audiences.

Football returns this weekend

TV Brasil’s 2026 sports slate includes matches from three state championships: Bahia, Espírito Santo and Ceará. This weekend, the broadcaster airs two opening-round games from the Bahia State Championship, with the signal generated by TVE Bahia.

On Saturday (Jan 10) at 3:50 pm, the channel broadcasts Vitória vs Atlético de Alagoinhas at Barradão. On Sunday (Jan 11) at 3:50 pm, it airs Bahia vs Jequié at Arena Fonte Nova.

Live and on demand

Viewers can watch TV Brasil via free-to-air, pay TV and satellite. Tuning information: https://tvbrasil.ebc.com.br/comosintonizar

On-demand content is available on TV Brasil Play (http://tvbrasilplay.com.br) and on WebTV: https://tvbrasil.ebc.com.br/webtv

Service

“This Is Pelé” – Friday (Jan 9), 9 pm, on TV Brasil

“Garrincha: Joy of the People” – Friday (Jan 9), 10:15 pm, on TV Brasil

TV Brasil online and social media

Website – https://tvbrasil.ebc.com.br

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tvbrasil

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/tvbrasil

X – https://x.com/TVBrasil

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tvbrasil

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@tvbrasil

TV Brasil Play – http://tvbrasilplay.com.br/