Cristiano Ronaldo is set to add another chapter to his post-playing career after signing on to executive produce and appear in a new TV drama centered around British football.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, who now captains the Saudi Pro League Al-Nassr and Portugal, will feature in the series titled Day 1swith his fellow Premier League 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 outside of football.
Ronaldo takes the first major step into television drama
The 41-year-old will be an executive producer 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 forward to new ventures,” Ronaldo said.The series is produced by UR•Marv Studios, the production company Ronaldo co-founded earlier this year with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, whose directing credits include Kingsman and Kick ass franchises.
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When he announced the launch of independent film studio UR•Marv alongside soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo in April last year, British film director Matthew Vaughn said the company was created to challenge the conventional model of film and television production. Speaking to ESPN, Vaughn added: “Cristiano created stories on the pitch that I could never write, and I look forward to creating inspiring films 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 have often fueled debates about the league’s greatest players, are now collaborating off the football pitch.According to the SunFilming has already begun at Barnet FC’s stadium in north London, where Henry was recently photographed during production. An exclusive inside source told The Sun that the cameras are already on location, with production taking place quietly in 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 actors Damian Lewisrapper Dave and new Carlotta Banat.
Fictitious football agent at the heart of the story
Instead of focusing on real footballers, Day 1s centers on Stanley Dalton, a fictional elite football agent played by Fatherland 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 in football circles and represents Henry.Consequently The sunthe 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 among streamers,” the source said The sun.“The sheer caliber of figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestigious project, although it’s surprising for Ronaldo as he moves on to making plays.”The same source added that the timing of the show could be significant after the recent FIFA World Cup.“After the World Cup, there is a renewed international interest, especially in the States, in British football. It has been growing for some time with shows like Ted Lasso.“But this is not a sitcom. It is definitely a drama, with some comedic elements, and it has some serious names that support it.”
Expansion beyond football
The television project is the latest example of Ronaldo expanding his portfolio outside of football as he continues his playing career.The Portugal captain remains one of the biggest global figures in sports, with more than a billion followers on 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 first flagship products of the company.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 highest entertainment companies in sports. While Ronaldo is no stranger to the spotlight, having led global advertising campaigns, featured in feature-length documentaries and built the CR7 brand into a global business, this project marks a different chapter in his career. Rather than just being the face of a production, the star from Portugal helps 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 main names attached, Day 1s has become one of the most closely watched television productions in the field of football currently under development.
