Cristo Fernandez has fulfilled his long-held dream of becoming a professional footballer after making his debut for American second-tier club El Paso Locomotive.
The 35-year-old Mexican, best known for playing Dani Rojas in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, came on as a 79th-minute substitute in El Paso Locomotive’s 2-0 defeat to New Mexico United in their final USL Cup group match on Sunday.
Fernandez joined the Texas-based club in May after a two-month trial.
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The ‘Ted Lasso’ actor’s debut lasted just over 10 minutes, during which he had three touches of the ball and received a yellow card in the 87th minute for a foul on New Mexico United goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
Before pursuing an acting career, Fernandez played youth football in his hometown of Guadalajara but gave up the sport at the age of 15 because of a knee injury.
He later moved to London, where he was cast as footballer Dani Rojas in the award-winning Ted Lasso, which aired from 2020 to 2023. The series follows an American football coach hired to manage fictional Premier League club AFC Richmond.
After signing for El Paso Locomotive, the ‘Ted Lasso’ actor described the move as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“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.”
A fourth season of Ted Lasso is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on August 5.
