Deal announced: Ted Lasso actor launches professional football career

Updated: 12 May 2026 16:34 BST |
4 min read

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive have officially announced the signing of actor Cristo Fernandez to a player contract.

The Mexican has been training with the second-tier side for two months and also previously had a trial spell with the Chicago Fire’s MLS Next Pro team. Fernandez is looking to launch a professional soccer career at the age of 35.

The actor is best known for his role as the exuberant Dani Rojas in Apple TV’s popular Ted Lasso show, but Fernandez is actually a real-life soccer fanatic and played the game at the youth level.

As a teenager, Fernandez suited up for Club Deportivo Estudiantes Tecos in his native Guadalajara. He decided to pursue a career in acting only after a knee injury shattered his dream of making it as a pro.

In March, rumours first emerged that Fernandez could sign for El Paso in a “playing capacity” after he was spotted in pre-season training. The club later confirmed that the 35-year-old was on trial and that a decision on whether or not to sign him would be made shortly.

El Paso announce signing of Fernandez

It has taken over a month for an update on the situation to materialise, but El Paso have now announced that Fernandez has indeed been signed to a contract. The actor will play as a forward for the USL Championship side.

“El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed forward Cristo Fernandez, pending league and federation approval. The terms of the deal will not be disclosed per club policy,” Locomotive wrote in a statement.

“Fernandez joins El Paso after an extensive two-month trial with the team, where he became a regular presence in training and appeared in a preseason match against New Mexico United.

“The forward began his career at the youth level with Tecos FC before having to step away at 15 due to injury. Fernández later pursued other ventures, including acting, becoming best known for his role as ‘Dani Rojas’ in the hit TV series Ted Lasso.”

Head coach Junior Gonzalez is quoted as saying: “Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line. His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club.”

Fernandez added: “Futbol 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.

“I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.

“This journey back to professional futbol soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be.

“Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas [let’s keep giving it our all]. Siempre agradecido con Dios, mi familia y amistades por creer en mí [Always grateful to God, my family, and my friends for believing in me].

“Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the ‘Locos’ actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!”

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