Football legend partners with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn to bring the business side of the sport to the small screen
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a new challenge beyond football, stepping into the entertainment industry with his first television series, Day 1s. The Portuguese superstar, who has spent more than two decades dominating world football, is now exploring storytelling and production as part of his expanding portfolio beyond the sport.
Production has officially begun on the football-themed drama, which Ronaldo is developing alongside renowned British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn. Best known for directing successful films such as Kingsman and Kick-Ass, Vaughn has joined forces with the former Portugal captain to create original television and film projects through their jointly founded production company, URMARV Studios.
Ronaldo shared the news with fans on social media, expressing his excitement as the project reached a major milestone. In addition to serving as an executive producer, he is expected to make occasional appearances in the series, adding a touch of authenticity to the football-focused drama.
Unlike traditional sports stories centred on players and matches, Day 1s will delve into the commercial side of football. The series follows Stanley Dalton, a fictional British football agent played by Damian Lewis. Through his character, viewers will witness the intense negotiations, transfer dealings, financial interests, and behind-the-scenes decisions that often shape the modern game.
The production has also attracted several high-profile names. Former Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry is set to appear as himself, while British rapper Dave joins the cast in a featured role. The original concept was developed by football agent Darren Dein, who has long represented Henry and brings real-world industry experience to the project.
The launch of Day 1s coincides with a significant period in Ronaldo’s career. Earlier this year, he announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary chapter with Portugal to a close. Throughout his national team career, Ronaldo set numerous records, became the country’s leading scorer, and played a key role in some of its greatest achievements, including victory at Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League.
Despite retiring from international football, Ronaldo remains active in club football with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. He continues to pursue personal milestones and is edging closer to the remarkable 1,000-goal mark in professional football.
Meanwhile, URMARV Studios is already looking ahead to future ventures. Among its upcoming productions is Stuntnuts, a feature film reportedly starring Hollywood actors Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth. As Ronaldo embraces life beyond the pitch, his latest venture demonstrates his determination to leave a lasting impact in entertainment, as he has in football.
