When it comes to soccer, there have been quite a few iconic soccer movies, which include ‘Escape to Victory’ starring Sylvester Stallone. This 1981 John Huster blockbuster also starred the Brazilian soccer legend Pele. The plot of the movie revolves around an exhibition game played between Allied prisoners of war and the German team.
“Escape to Victory” over here in the UK, and it’s still well known here.
great film. pic.twitter.com/7tLzxotOqV
— Mike Dailly™ 🏴🇺🇦💙 (@mdf200) December 25, 2022
The timeless epic is based on a true story from World War 2. A group of POWs captured by Germans are presented with a choice. Lose and be set free or win and be shot. It was supposed to be a propaganda game for the Germans. If they won, they could sway public opinion about them due to the rising popularity of soccer in Europe.
The POWs, however, won the game and were eventually shot. In the movie, however, the prisoners use the game as a means of escape and succeed in escaping.
How much money did Sylvester Stallone make for his role in ‘Victory?’
Escape to Victory took a reported $10 million to produce. It was launched in theatres in the year 1981. During its runtime, the iconic movie reportedly collected $27.5 million. It remains one of the best soccer movies of all time. Viewers including soccer fans continue to stream the movie to this day.
As of December 2022, Escape to Victory is rated at 6.6 as per IMDB. For his role in the 1981 movie, Hollywood Star Sylvester Stallone reportedly received an estimated $1.8 million paycheck.
How many real soccer players were in the movie ‘Victory?’
While Stallone stole the show with his performance in the movie, several real soccer stars of the time were also a part of the cast. Here’s a list of all the soccer players who were featured in the film:
“Escape to Victory” over here in the UK, and it’s still well known here.
great film. pic.twitter.com/7tLzxotOqV
— Mike Dailly™ 🏴🇺🇦💙 (@mdf200) December 25, 2022
- Pele: The Brazilian soccer legend was cast as Luiz Fernandes in the movie. The legend had recently retired in 1977 when he featured in the film, yet again taking to the pitch, 4 years after hanging up his boots.
- Bobby Moor: The former English national team captain plays a defender in the movie, in the role of Terry Brady.
- Osvaldo “Ossie” Ardiles: The former Argentina international, who achieved cult status during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, featured in midfield in the movie.
- Paul Van Himst: The Anderlecht legend also features in the Allied team. He portrays Michel Flieu.
- Mike Summerbee: The Manchester City legend features as forward Sid Harmer in the movie.
- Kazimierz Deyna: He is another Manchester City cult icon. In the movie, he is featured as Paul Wolcheck.
- Hallvar Thoresen: He played the role of Norwegian soccer player Gunnar Hilsson.
- Jacobus Theodorus Wilhelmus “Co” Prins: The Ajax legend features as striker Pieter van Beck in the movie.
- Søren Lindsted: The Danish soccer star portrays Erik Ball, another striker, in the movie.
- Wener Roth: The American National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee features as Baumann, a defender in the movie.
- Russell Osman: features as Doug Clure.
- John Wark: features as Arthur Hayes.
- Kevin O’Callaghan: features as Tony Lewis.
- Laurie Sivell: features as Schmidt.
With so many professional soccer stars and the filmmaking expertise of Sylvester Stallone and John Huster, Escape to Victory was destined for success at the Box Office.