Cristiano Ronaldo is expanding his ambitions beyond the football pitch, venturing into television production and acting with his first series, Day Ones. The Portuguese superstar has confirmed that production on the football-themed drama has officially begun, marking a new chapter in his growing business interests in the entertainment industry.
Ronaldo has joined forces with British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn to develop the project, establishing a joint venture called UR•Marv Studios. The 41-year-old footballer is set to appear as himself in the series, which will also feature French football legend Thierry Henry and British actor Damian Lewis.
The former Portugal international, who recently retired from international football, is also serving as an executive producer. Announcing the development on Instagram, where he has 681 million followers, Ronaldo shared his excitement about the start of production.
“Exciting news! My first TV show, Day Ones, has just started production. More surprises are coming soon!” he wrote.
Alongside the announcement, Ronaldo shared several photographs featuring members of the production team and cast. One of the pictures included Lewis and British rapper Dave, who is also among the performers involved in the series.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Paramount+ has authorised the production of Day Ones. The project is expected to be among the streaming platform’s early major productions following its merger with production company Skydance.
Entertainment publication Deadline has reported that the 10-episode drama will follow the journey of a gifted footballer who fulfils his ambition of playing for English Premier League club Brentford. Beyond the protagonist’s rise in professional football, the storyline will explore the importance of friendship and loyalty.
The central character remains committed to the friends who stood by him long before fame, wealth and sporting success transformed his life. The narrative is therefore expected to look beyond the glamour of professional football, focusing on the personal relationships that shape a player’s journey.
The original concept for the series came from producer Darren Dean. Vaughn will direct the opening episode, while BAFTA-winning filmmaker Dan Mazer, best known for his work on Borat, will serve as production director.
Vaughn, whose directing credits include the Kingsman franchise, Stardust and Layer Cake, has spoken enthusiastically about his partnership with Ronaldo. He described Day Ones as an ideal project through which to launch their new venture, expressing his appreciation for having the footballer as both a friend and business partner.
Vaughn also predicted that Ronaldo, who has broken numerous records throughout his football career, could achieve comparable success in film and television.
For Ronaldo, the project carries a personal connection to the sport that has defined much of his life. Explaining his motivation for entering television production, the Al-Nassr forward said football had been central to his entire journey, but some of its most compelling stories emerge away from the pitch.
He expressed pride in presenting a different perspective on the game through his work as a producer. Ronaldo believes the series has the potential to connect with audiences beyond the traditional football fanbase.
He also described working with Vaughn for the first time in the entertainment industry as an exciting experience. Having Henry, whom he praised as an exceptional former player and a good person, involved in the project has made the venture even more special, he added.
Ronaldo’s involvement in Day Ones represents another significant step in his efforts to establish a presence beyond professional football. Although he has spent much of his career building a global sporting profile, his latest venture demonstrates an interest in storytelling, production and the wider entertainment business.
With an established filmmaker directing the opening episode and prominent names from sport, film and music joining the cast, Day Ones brings together talent from several areas of popular culture. The series will offer Ronaldo an opportunity to explore a different creative role while remaining closely connected to the sport that made him one of the world’s most recognisable athletes.
