Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to add another chapter to his post-playing career after signing on to executive produce and appear in a new television drama centred on British football.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, who now captains Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and Portugal, will feature in the series titled Day 1s, with fellow Premier League great Thierry Henry also set to appear in the production. The project marks Ronaldo’s first major move into television drama following his success on the pitch and his growing business ventures away from football.
Ronaldo takes first major step into television drama
The 41-year-old will serve as an executive producer on Day 1s while also appearing in the series, which explores the intricacies of British football through the story of a powerful football agent.Speaking when announcing the project, Ronaldo described the venture as another milestone beyond his playing career.“This is an exciting chapter for me, as I look ahead to new ventures,” Ronaldo said.The series is being produced by UR•Marv Studios, the production company Ronaldo co-founded earlier this year with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, whose directing credits include the Kingsman and Kick-Ass franchises.
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When announcing the launch of independent film studio UR•Marv alongside soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo in April last year, British film director Matthew Vaughn said the venture was created to challenge the conventional model of film and television production. Speaking to ESPN, Vaughn added: “Cristiano has created stories on the pitch that I could never have written, and I look forward to creating inspiring movies with him.”
Thierry Henry also joins the project
Ronaldo will be joined by former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, adding another high-profile football figure to the production.The two former Premier League rivals, whose careers frequently fuelled debates over the league’s greatest-ever players, are now collaborating away from the football pitch.According to The Sun, filming has already begun at Barnet FC’s stadium in north-west London, where Henry was recently photographed during production. An exclusive insider source told The Sun that cameras are already rolling on location, with production quietly underway at the non-league ground.
Hollywood star Damian Lewis and football icon Thierry Henry lead the cast of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Day 1s, with filming now underway/ Credit: Click News and Media via The Sun
The series is expected to feature an ensemble cast that also includes British actor Damian Lewis, rapper Dave and newcomer Carlotta Banat.
Fictional football agent at the heart of the story
Rather than focusing on real footballers, Day 1s centres on Stanley Dalton, a fictional elite football agent portrayed by Homeland and Billions star Damian Lewis.The concept was created by football agent Darren Dein, who also serves as an executive producer on the series. Dein is well known within football circles and represents Henry.According to The Sun, the drama aims to present a more authentic look at the modern football industry, contrasting with the lighter comedic approach of series such as Ted Lasso.A television industry source told the publication that the project is expected to attract significant attention from streaming platforms.“It’s likely to spark a bidding war between the streamers,” the source told The Sun.“The sheer calibre of figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestige project, albeit a surprising one for Ronaldo as he crosses into making dramas.”The same source added that the show’s timing could prove significant following the recent FIFA World Cup.“After the World Cup, there’s a renewed international interest, particularly in the States, in British football. It’s one that’s been growing for some time with shows like Ted Lasso.“But this isn’t a sitcom. It’s definitely a drama, with some comedic elements, and has some serious names backing it.”
Expanding beyond football
The television project is the latest example of Ronaldo expanding his portfolio beyond football while continuing his playing career.The Portugal captain remains one of the sport’s biggest global figures, with more than one billion followers across social media platforms. He also continues to captain Al-Nassr and represented Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals during the tournament.Away from the pitch, however, his ambitions continue to grow through UR•Marv Studios, with Day 1s becoming one of the company’s first flagship productions.The series represents an unusual crossover between elite football and scripted television, bringing together decorated footballers, established Hollywood talent and experienced industry figures in a project that could become one of the sport’s most high-profile entertainment ventures. While Ronaldo is no stranger to the spotlight, having fronted global advertising campaigns, featured in feature-length documentaries and built the CR7 brand into a worldwide business, this project marks a different chapter in his career. Rather than simply being the face of a production, the Portugal star is helping create it, taking on roles behind the camera as a producer while also appearing on screen in a scripted drama.With filming already underway and Ronaldo, Henry, Damian Lewis and Matthew Vaughn among the leading names attached, Day 1s is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched football-themed television productions currently in development.
