directed by alexander pickl, show de bola (streets of rio) (2007) examines the life of tiago (thiago martins) who in attempt to escape the violence and drudgery of life in the rio de janeiro favela where he lives, puts all his energies and focus into his goal of becoming a professional footballer.

demonstrating great talent and potential to achieve this target he nevertheless is challenged with numerous obstacles as he becomes caught up in his community's troubles. his father has been murdered, his mother is ill, and his brother struggles to maintain the family home. 

approached by the imposing drug lord shark (lui mendes), who tries to get him on board as a dealer, tiago's situation is further tested when he falls in love with shark's sister juliana (naima santos).