Sylvester Stallone Reveals Shocking Injury Filming 'Escape to Victory' with Pelé

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes of 'Escape to Victory'

Sylvester Stallone recently shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story from the making of the 1983 sports film 'Escape to Victory.' He recounted an unexpected injury he experienced while working alongside the legendary soccer player Pelé. The actor revealed that Pelé's powerful kick led to a broken finger during a scene intended to showcase the athlete's remarkable accuracy on the field.

In a recent episode of the podcast 'The Rest Is Entertainment,' the 80-year-old Stallone reflected on the filming process, explaining that the injury occurred when Pelé demonstrated how he could precisely place a soccer ball into the goal. Stallone mentioned that Pelé was confident in his ability to hit a specific target, claiming the ball would move too swiftly for anyone to follow its path.

The Impact of Pelé's Kick

Stallone vividly described the filming conditions, noting that the soccer balls used during that era were quite different from today's versions. He characterized them as heavy, thick, brown leather orbs that felt more akin to bowling balls, especially when kicked by a player wearing steel-toed boots. Despite the warning, Stallone encouraged Pelé to give it his all, leading to a memorable moment.

As soon as Pelé made contact with the ball, Stallone heard a loud sound and instinctively raised his hands to shield himself. The force of the kick resulted in a broken finger for Stallone. The impact was so powerful that the ball reportedly tore through the goal net and shattered the windows of nearby prisoner-of-war bunkers, which were part of the film's set, despite being reinforced with metal grills. Stallone used this story to highlight Pelé's extraordinary athletic prowess, emphasizing the intensity of his technique.

Overview of 'Escape to Victory'

'Escape to Victory' is set against the backdrop of World War II, telling the story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who form a soccer team. Led by British Captain John Colby, played by Michael Caine, the prisoners are challenged to compete in an exhibition match against a German national team in Nazi-occupied Paris, orchestrated by German Major Karl von Steiner, portrayed by Max von Sydow. The film is notable for featuring several professional soccer players, including Bobby Moore, Mike Summerbee, Werner Roth, Hallvar Thoresen, and Co Prins, alongside the iconic Pelé.