Is the word ele the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No. While the spelling and primary meaning of "ele" are the same, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, "ele" is frequently used as a direct object pronoun in informal speech (e.g., "Eu vi ele"). In Continental Portuguese, this is non-standard; the clitic pronoun "o" is used instead (e.g., "Eu vi-o"). Additionally, the pronunciation of the final "e" differs, as Brazilians typically pronounce it as a clear [i], whereas in Portugal, it is often reduced or nearly silent.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Eu vi ele ontem. (I saw him yesterday.)
2. Ele é muito legal. (He is very nice.)
3. Você contou para ele? (Did you tell him?)
4. Eu chamei ele para sair. (I called him to go out.)
5. Ele gosta de jogar futebol. (He likes to play soccer.)

Continental Portuguese

1. Eu vi-o ontem. (I saw him yesterday.)
2. Ele é muito porreiro. (He is very cool.)
3. Tu contaste-lhe? (Did you tell him?)
4. Eu chamei-o para sair. (I called him to go out.)
5. Ele gosta de jogar futebol. (He likes to play football.)