Made in Brazil: ‘Brazil ‘70: The Third Star’ Scores for the Local Economy

World Cup may be in its final days, but Brazil ‘70: The Third Star has left a lasting impact.

The limited series, which debuted May 29 on Netflix, follows the 1970 Brazilian national team — and famed players Pelé, João Saldanha, and Zagallo — as they attempt to become the first three-time world champions.

Brazil ‘70: The Third Star not only celebrates Brazilian culture — it’s also boosted the Brazilian economy, generating approximately R$100 million (Brazilian reais) in economic impact ¹. In total, 3,000 people and 1,200 local vendors worked on the production, which spanned cities in Brazil like São Paulo, Carapicuíba and Cotia, as well as Mexico’s Guanajuato and the country’s capital.

To ensure historical accuracy, production also tapped into local vendors like Athleta, which created the original jersey for the Brazil national team. The family-owned company recreated the 1970 uniform specifically for the series.

The five-episode sports drama hails from Brazilian directors Paulo Morelli (who also served as showrunner), Pedro Morelli and Quico Meirelles, and stars local talent like Rodrigo Santoro ( The Son of a Thousand Men, Good Morning, Verônica, 7 Prisoners ), Bruno Mazzeo ( Rulers of Fortune ) and Lucas Agrícola in his acting debut.

Brazil ‘70: The Third Star, which spent three weeks on Brazil’s Top 10 Non-English TV list, joins a growing collection of soccer shows, films and games on Netflix, also including recent releases like The Bus: A French Football Mutiny ; Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time ; James. ; Mexico 86; Norway: The Dark Horse; Poldi; USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory; and the cloud game FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition.

These titles and more are available to stream now — only on Netflix.

_{¹ This calculation was made using the global Social Accounting Matrix methodology, a model that calculates the value added left in the country through job creation, tax payments, and contracts with national suppliers.}

For more stories about the impact our films and series have on economies, industries and culture, check out The Netflix Effect.

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