Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to add another chapter to his post-playing career after signing to executive produce and star in a new television drama centered around British football.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, who currently captains Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and Portugal, will take part in the headline series. First day:along with the fellow Premier League which is good Thierry Henry is also slated to appear in production. The project marks Ronaldo’s first major step into television drama following his success on the pitch and his growing business away from football.
Ronaldo took the first big step in television drama
The 41-year-old will serve as an executive producer on: First day: while also appearing in the series, which explores the intricacies of British football through the story of a powerful football agent.Speaking when the project was announced, 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 founded earlier this year with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, whose directing credits include kingsman: and: Kick Ass franchises.
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When announcing the launch of independent film studio UR•Marv with soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo in April last year, British film director Matthew Vaughn said the venture was made to challenge the conventional model of film and television production. Speaking to ESPN, Vaughn added: “Cristiano creates stories on the pitch that I can’t write, and I look forward to making inspiring movies with him.”
Thierry Henry also joined the project
Ronaldo is joined by former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, adding a high-profile football figure to the production.The two former Premier League rivals, whose careers have often sparked debates over the league’s greatest players, are now working together away from the football pitch.According to The Sun:filming has begun at Barnet FC’s stadium in northwest 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 in non-league ground.
Hollywood star Damian Lewis and football icon Thierry Henry lead the cast of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Day 1s, with filming today/ Credit: Click News and Media via The Sun
The series is expected to feature an ensemble cast that also includes British actors Damian Lewis:rapper Dave and newcomer Carlotta Banat.
The fictional football agent at the center of the story
Instead of focusing on real players, First day: centers on Stanley Dalton, a fictional elite football agent portrayed by: country of birth: and: BILLION star Damian Lewis.The concept was created by football agent Darren Dein, who also serves as the series’ executive producer. Dein is known within football circles and represents Henry.According to: The Sunthe drama aims to present a more realistic view of the modern football industry, as opposed to the lighter comedy 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.“This is likely to trigger a bidding war between streamers,” the source said The Sun.“The sheer caliber of the figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestigious project, albeit a strange one for Ronaldo as he crosses over into making dramas.”The same source added that the timing of the show could prove crucial after the recent FIFA World Cup.“After the World Cup, there was renewed international interest, particularly in the United States, in British football. Ted Lasso.“But it’s not a sitcom. It’s a drama, with some comedic elements, and with some serious names behind it.”
Expand 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 biggest global figures in the sport, with more than a billion followers on social media platforms. He also continued to captain Al-Nassr and represented Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in the tournament.Away from the pitch, however, his ambitions continue to grow through UR•Marv Studios, which has: First day: became one of the company’s first flagship productions.The series represents an unusual crossover between elite football and scripted television, bringing together decorated players, established Hollywood talent and experienced industry figures in a project that could be one of the highest profile in sports entertainment. 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 global business, this project marks a different chapter in his career. Instead of being just the face of a production, the Portuguese star helps make it happen, taking roles behind the camera as a producer while also appearing on screen in a scripted drama.When filming began and Ronaldo, Henry, Damian Lewis and Matthew Vaughn were among the leading names attached, First day: shaping up to be one of the most closely watched football-themed television productions currently in development.