Hugo Silva, born in Madrid in 1977, never chased the image of a footballer. He always dreamed of acting. Today, the sport still tugs at him from time to time, yet he fully understands the pull and passion that football evokes. In the HBO Max series Headless Chickens, created by his son Jorge Valdano and grounded in the insights of Alex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang, Silva reemerges with his characteristic wit, diving into every facet of the football world.
Beto, the character, leaves a football career to become a talent agent for football stars. He soon discovers that the industry is relentlessly competitive and filled with sharp elbows.
He rediscovers himself in a world he already knows well. He starts strong, leveraging his talent and know-how, rebuilding his life, and freeing himself from his addictions. But a betrayal by a star player pulls him down once more and he falters as a result.
Do you think the football world easily lends itself to comedy?
The world behind football, as depicted in the series, leaves ample room for comedy. It is a tough, unfriendly environment. The more the main character suffers, the funnier the moments become, and it becomes a fertile ground for both humor and tension.
Are you a football fan?
No. But you do not need to be to enjoy this comedy. When he was a kid, he wanted to be an actor, not a football player, and his bowling skills were not remarkable either.
Although you are not a football fan, do you understand the passions aroused by the king of sports?
Yes. Those passions are part of what drives people to leave routines behind and chase something bigger. A little violence is not ideal, but the flame of enthusiasm can make people feel truly alive. I have felt that electricity at moments outside the game, like at a concert.
Worried that the series will be compared to the award-winning Ted Lasso, which also brings the football world into focus?
I have not watched it yet. I did not even know it existed until the promotion started. From what I hear and the trailers I have seen, the two projects are different. The football world is present, but this is a different story.
Did you get a squad to play Beto?
I did not. I was fortunate to inhabit a character that naturally came to life. I immediately grasped the energy I needed to bring to him.
Finding a role that fits him feels like a luxury. It happens only twice in my life that someone sees me in a way that makes the process effortless, and both times I could quickly connect with that energy.
He once thought his career would keep him off many rosters, but the reality proved different.
Yes, I prepared for the part and, like many actors, stayed ready. Casting is part of the job, and it helps keep performers in shape. If one project ends up not serving the energy a character requires, it is better to move on and stay sharp, so that when a perfect fit arrives, the energy can land naturally.
Were you surprised by the way Beto was written for you?
I did not love all the choices, but the energy behind the character mattered a lot. The more flaws he carries, the more the audience can connect with him, so the more interesting the performance becomes.
Have you ever admitted that you cannot afford to be unemployed because of a mortgage and two kids? You do not need to worry anymore because there are six projects waiting to be released. Among them is a series from Mentiras pasajeros, Almodóvar’s production company.
I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to the craft and the people who have supported me. The question often is whether to pause and prepare a character more deeply. I have learned to stay engaged, because real-world circumstances demand steady work. If opportunities arise that truly motivate me, I would take them; otherwise, I stay focused on roles that resonate.
You were one of the leads in Ministry of Time, a series with a highly engaged fan base. Its creator, Javier Olivares, mentioned writing a fifth season, though it was not picked up by TVE. Do you think the show should continue?
I will not judge others’ decisions about the show, but I believe it remains a valuable project. Its educational value is clear, and it helps audiences understand different eras and people. It should continue, ideally with new patrols and actors, because its broad backdrop knows no borders and can keep teaching and entertaining as it evolves.
—
Hugo Silva’s take on the industry blends wit with realism. The series uses football as a lens to explore ambition, failure, and resilience, while offering audiences a look at how behind-the-scenes dynamics shape careers and identities. The performances linger, the humor lands at unexpected moments, and the storytelling remains anchored in the messy, human core that makes sports and show business feel inseparably alive.