As an actor and producer: Everything you need to know about Cristiano Ronaldo’s first TV series, ‘Day 1s’, which stars former football rival Thierry Henry

Cristiano Ronaldo serves as an executive producer on ‘Day 1s’ via UR•Marv and is also expected to make his scripted debut. Cristiano Ronaldo has spent much of his career building a global profile outside of football, but his latest project is taking those ambitions to another industry. The new scripted series, developed with one of Britain’s best-known film directors and featuring several big names in sport and entertainment, is now moving from development to production, with Ronaldo himself taking a behind-the-scenes role.

Ronaldo announces Day 1s production

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that production has begun Day 1shis first scripted TV series, revealing the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, November 11. The 41-year-old shared photos from the London production, including one of him alongside British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, with whom he founded independent production company UR•Marv.“Exciting news! Production has just started on my first TV show Day 1s,” Ronaldo wrote. “More to come!”The announcement brought new attention to the project, which had been in development for several months. Ronaldo acts as an executive producer through the UR•Marv studio, which he co-founded with Vaughn, whose directorial credits include Kingsmen and Kick-Ass franchises. He is also expected to appear on screen in what will be his scripted acting debut after years of directing ad campaigns, documentaries and commercial projects built around the CR7 brand.Ronaldo described the project as an important step beyond his playing career when the venture was first announced. “It’s an exciting chapter for me as I look ahead to new ventures,” he said.Vaughn also explained the thinking behind their partnership. Speaking to ESPN when the studio was launched, he said: “Cristiano created stories on the pitch that I could never write, and I look forward to creating inspiring films with him.”The two are also reportedly developing a standalone film, Stunt menabout stunts, expected to star Chris Hemsworth and include a cameo by Matt Damon. Day 1showever, it is their first major television drama project.

Thierry Henry, Damian Lewis and Dave join the cast

Ronaldo is not the only football figure involved in the series. Former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry also confirmed his participation, sharing photos from the production on his own account on the social network. One picture showed Henry sitting at a table next to Damian Lewis with a football shirt displayed on the wall behind them.Lewis, known for his roles in Country and billionsleads the drama as Stanley Dalton, the fictional elite football agent at the center of the story. Another production photo showed the actor sitting behind a desk, prompting jokes from fans familiar with his portrayal of billionaire Bobby Axelrod in billionsincluding speculation about whether the character has turned his attention to buying a football club.British rapper Dave is also among the names linked with the production. Photos shared from the set showed him sitting with Lewis, with a framed CR7 shirt visible behind them. Dave previously worked as an actor, most notably playing the villain Modi in a British crime drama The best boy. The cast also includes newcomer Carlotta Banat.Filming reportedly took place at Barnet FC Stadium in North West London, where Henry was photographed during production. The non-league ground provided one of the venues for the series, which appears to draw heavily from the working environment of pro football. One of the images published as part of the project showed a reporter inside the club’s dressing room with players sitting on benches.

Hollywood star Damian Lewis and football icon Thierry Henry lead the cast of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Day 1s, with filming underway/ Credit: Click News and Media via The Sun

The involvement of Henry, who represented Arsenal and Barcelona during an outstanding playing career, gives the production a prominent footballing presence outside of Ronaldo. The pair were rivals during their Premier League careers but now collaborate on a fictional account of the industry surrounding the sport.

A football agent at the center of the drama

Rather than following Ronaldo or Henry as a version of himself, Day 1s is built around the fictional Stanley Dalton, played by Lewis. The series was created by football agent Darren Dein, who also executive produces and represents Henry.The story is expected to explore the business and relationships behind modern British football, with the work of an influential agent central to it. This gives the drama a different starting point from a conventional football series focused primarily on players, matches or dressing room relationships.

Damian Lewis attends the world premiere of ‘Pressure’ at AMC Lincoln Square on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

According to a TV industry source cited by the company Sunthe project could attract significant interest from streaming platforms due to the people involved and the subject matter.“It’s likely to trigger a bidding war between streamers,” the source said. “The sheer caliber of characters behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestigious project, albeit a surprising one for Ronald as he transitions into drama-making.”The source also pointed to international interest in British football following the World Cup, particularly in the United States, where programs such as Ted Lasso they helped introduce the sport and its culture to a wider audience.“But this isn’t a sitcom. It’s definitely a drama with comedic elements and it’s backed by some big names,” the source added.The production therefore aims for a different sound than the lighter football comedy that has found its audience in recent years. His focus on agents and the business of the game could give him access to a part of pro football rarely explored on scripted television.

Ronaldo’s next chapter outside Portugal

The announcement comes during a significant period in Ronaldo’s career. On 5 November, he released a five-minute video message confirming his retirement from international football, ending a Portuguese career that had spanned 23 years.He leaves as the country’s record holder and top scorer with 234 games and 146 goals. Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first European title at Euro 2016 and also helped the national team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.His decision followed a reported deterioration in his relationship with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo reportedly left the national team’s training camp in late September without permission and subsequently served a 30-day suspension. His retirement announcement came shortly before Portugal were due to name their squad for their upcoming Nations League matches.

FILE – Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to kick a penalty during the round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 football tournament in Frankfurt, Germany. AP/PTI(AP11_05_2026_000316A)

Despite ending his international career, Ronaldo remains an active player at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He is currently reported to have scored 985 career goals, leaving him 15 short of the 1,000 goal milestone he is aiming for. Retiring from international football also removes the requirement to travel to Portugal, allowing him to focus on his club commitments as he approaches that goal.The television project gives him another opportunity to develop his interests off the field while continuing his playing career. His involvement goes beyond lending his name to the production: through UR•Marv, he takes an executive role in creating stage entertainment, with a potential acting appearance adding another dimension to the venture.Ronaldo’s announcement confirms that for now Day 1s moved into production, its cast and creative team assembled. A broadcaster or streaming platform, a release date, and other details about his own role have yet to be announced.