Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez has turned fiction into reality after signing for American second-tier club El Paso Locomotive following a two-month trial.
The 35-year-old Mexican actor became a cult hero around the world for his portrayal of the endlessly enthusiastic Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, where his character famously declared: “Football is life.”
Now Fernandez is preparing to test that philosophy in professional football.
El Paso, who compete in the USL Championship, confirmed that Fernandez has earned a contract after impressing coaching staff during an extended trial period.
For Fernandez, the move represents the fulfilment of a dream he has harboured since childhood.
Before his acting career took off, he played youth football in his hometown of Guadalajara and hoped to pursue the sport professionally.
Those ambitions were interrupted when he suffered a serious knee injury at the age of 15.
Cristo Fernandez is known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso
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Fernandez later moved to London to study and build an acting career.
His breakthrough came when he was cast in Ted Lasso, the award-winning Apple TV+ comedy starring Jason Sudeikis as an American coach unexpectedly hired to manage English club AFC Richmond.
Fernandez appeared in three seasons between 2020 and 2023, with Rojas becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Away from Ted Lasso, Cristo Fernandez has also appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Acapulco
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Away from Ted Lasso, Fernandez has also appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Acapulco.
Yet throughout his success in Hollywood, his desire to return to football never disappeared.
Earlier this year he trained with the reserve side of Chicago Fire before earning his opportunity with El Paso.
“Football has always been a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my team-mates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.”
Ted Lasso is a hugely popular fictional football show
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He added: “This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be.
“Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the ‘Locos’ actually makes perfect sense.”
Head coach Junior Gonzalez believes Fernandez can make a genuine contribution on the pitch.
“Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line,” he said.
