Cristiano Ronaldo has begun production on his first television series, Day 1s, marking a new venture for the Al Nassr captain alongside acclaimed British director and producer Matthew Vaughn.
Ronaldo announced the project on Instagram, posting a photograph with Vaughn and writing: “Great news, production has just started on my first TV series, ‘Day 1s’. More coming soon.”
The series will be produced by Ronaldo and Vaughn and will be set against the world of football. Its central character is Stanley Dalton, a British football agent played by Damian Lewis.
Reports also indicate that Ronaldo will appear in the programme himself. Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry is also expected to feature, while the rapper Dave could appear in the first episode.
Filming has already taken place in London over the past few months, although no final release date has been announced.
Ronaldo’s next chapter
The announcement came shortly after Ronaldo declared his retirement from international football following 23 years with Portugal. He made his senior debut for the national team in 2003.
Ronaldo ended his international career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, winning three major honours with Portugal. Those successes included UEFA Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
His decision followed a dispute that dominated the latest international break and raised questions about his relationship with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.
Tension increased after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark without permission. He had already completed a 30-day suspension and paid a fine of 255 euros as punishment for his departure.
Ronaldo had previously said he was prepared to accept any sanction resulting from his actions, and disciplinary measures were subsequently imposed. However, the disagreement continued beyond the punishment after he became unhappy with explanatory comments made by Jesus.
The Portugal forward reportedly felt betrayed, believing the manager had not respected a clear understanding reached during an earlier meeting. Ronaldo later set out his position in a strongly worded message.
The continuing tension led to uncertainty over whether he would be included in Portugal’s next squad for matches against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November, the final two group-stage fixtures in the Nations League.
Although Ronaldo had been included in the squad’s preliminary list for those matches, his retirement has ended speculation over a return. The number seven will not represent Portugal again during the remainder of his playing career.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca had attempted to mediate and bring Ronaldo back into the national team, but those efforts did not restore the relationship.
