2026-07-27 08:54:13
Cristiano Ronaldo will produce and star in a new TV drama about British football.
The Portuguese football legend, 41, is to appear in and executive produce the show, titled Day 1s.
The show will centre on fictional football agent Stanley Dalton – who is to be played by Homeland star Damian Lewis.
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, 48, is also set to appear alongside British rapper Dave and newcomer Carlotta Banat.
Day 1s is being made by the new UR. Marv Studios, which Ronaldo runs alongside film director Matthew Vaughn.
The series is based on a concept devised by one of the programme’s executive producers, Henry’s agent Darren Dein.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: “It’s likely to spark a bidding war between the streamers.
“The sheer calibre of figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it is a prestige project – albeit a surprising one for Ronaldo as he crosses into making dramas.”
Day 1s is thought to be looking to capitalise on the surge of interest in British football in the US following the World Cup that was recently held in the country.
The insider said: “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.”
Vaughn – who has helmed movies such as Kingsman and Kick-Ass – formed UR. Marv earlier this year with the aim of disrupting the “conventional” filmmaking market.
He said at the time: “Cristiano has created stories on the pitch that I could never have written, and I look forward to creating inspiring movies with him.”
Ronaldo added: “This is an exciting chapter for me, as I look ahead to new ventures.”
The former Manchester United player recently confirmed that he had played his final World Cup game after Portugal were knocked out by eventual champions Spain in the last 16 stage of the tournament, although he stopped short of confirming his international retirement.
Ronaldo, the only man to score at six World Cups, said: “I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best.
“I go with a clear conscience. This is football, it is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to carry on. It was my last World Cup, yes, but as far as the rest of it is concerned: there will be time to think, to be with my family, [I will] not make decisions in the heat of the moment.”
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