MANILA, Philippines — Cristiano Ronaldo is taking his football career to the screen, reportedly joining English director Matthew Vaughn for an upcoming drama series centered on the world of football agents.
Ronaldo will star in and executive produce “Day 1s,” a series about fictional football agent Stanley Dalton, played by British actor Damian Lewis.
Filming has already started in London, with French football legend Thierry Henry also set to appear. Henry faced Ronaldo several times during the Portuguese star’s early years in the Premier League.
“Day 1s” will serve as the first series under UR•Marv Studios, a joint venture between Ronaldo and Vaughn’s Marv Studios. The project will receive independent financing from Marv Studios.
Vaughn, a minority stakeholder in Premier League club Brentford, is known for directing films including “Kick-Ass,” “Stardust,” “Argylle” and the “Kingsman” franchise.
Lewis, a Liverpool supporter, rose to prominence through “Band of Brothers” and won an Emmy for his role in “Homeland.” His other credits include “Billions,” “Wolf Hall” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Champions League champion, is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players. His career has included stints with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
He has also built a storied international career with Portugal, which he has represented since 2003. Ronaldo holds Portugal’s records for international appearances and goals, with 233 caps and 147 goals.
He has played in 14 major international tournaments, including a record six World Cups. As Portugal captain, he led the team to the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.