Ted Lasso Star Cristo Fernandez Inks Deal With U.S. Second-Tier Club
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández is trading the TV pitch for the real one, signing with U.S. second-tier El Paso Locomotive FC and reigniting a youth career he shelved in Mexico at 15.
Life imitates art, and sometimes it signs a contract. Cristo Fernandez — yes, Dani Rojas from 'Ted Lasso' — just went from fictional footballer to actual pro after inking a deal with El Paso Locomotive FC in the U.S. second tier.
The move
The 35-year-old actor has joined El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship, turning his long-running side quest to return to the sport into a real thing. He signed on Tuesday after the club put him through a two-month trial that included a preseason run-out.
How we got here
- Before TV: Fernandez played youth football in Mexico but stepped away at 15 after a knee injury.
- The role: He became best known as Dani Rojas on Apple TV+ hit 'Ted Lasso,' the comedy about an English club guided by an American coach.
- The itch returns: Alongside acting, he kept chasing a comeback, training earlier this year with Chicago Fire's reserves in MLS.
- The tryout: El Paso brought him in for a two-month trial, and he appeared in preseason before the club made it official this week.
"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. Maybe I am just a crazy man with crazy dreams."
What the club sees
Head coach Junior Gonzalez called him a strong addition up front, saying Fernandez brings another attacking option and the kind of energy and leadership they want in the locker room. Translation: he is not just a PR signing — they expect him to help.
Where El Paso stands
El Paso launched in 2018 and competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of U.S. soccer. They are currently sitting fourth in Group B in the league standings. Quick note: the USL usually sorts teams by conferences, but the listing given here is Group B — not the usual label, but that is how this one is being reported.
From 'football is life' to football is literally his job again — let’s see how this plays out on an actual USL pitch.