For ‘Ted Lasso’ Star Cristo Fernández, Football Is — Now Really — Life
Cristo Fernández, the charismatic Mexican actor whose portrayal of AFC Richmond forward Dani Rojas made him a fan favorite on Ted Lasso, has turned his on-screen passion into reality. The 35-year-old has signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a USL Championship team, marking the culmination of a decades-long dream to return to the pitch. Fernández, who once played youth soccer for Mexican club Tecos FC before an injury at age 15 forced him to step away, now joins the team after completing an “extensive” two-month trial that included regular training and a preseason appearance against New Mexico United.
The announcement, made on May 12, 2026, underscores Fernández’s lifelong connection to the sport. “Fútbol 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,” he said in a statement released by the club. The move reflects a rare convergence of Hollywood and athletics, where an actor’s fictional character becomes a real-life player.
Fernández’s transition from acting to professional soccer is not entirely unexpected. Even before his breakout role on Ted Lasso, he had hinted at his desire to return to football. In recent years, he trained with the reserves of Chicago Fire FC, an MLS side, as part of his preparations. His signing with El Paso Locomotive FC—founded in 2018 and currently fourth in Group B of the USL Championship standings—adds another layer to his career, blending his artistic and athletic passions.
Welcome to El Paso, Cristo Fernández. 🚂 El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed forward Cristo Fernández. Learn more🗞️: https://t.co/810iopg2NN #VamosLocos #VamosElPaso
— El Paso Locomotive FC (@eplocomotivefc) May 12, 2026
The Road Back to Professional Soccer
Fernández’s path to professional soccer is a testament to perseverance. After leaving Tecos FC at 15 due to a knee injury, he pivoted to acting, becoming one of the breakout stars of Ted Lasso in 2020. His character, Dani Rojas, became iconic for his infectious enthusiasm and the catchphrase, “Fútbol is life.” Now, that mantra has taken on a new meaning.
El Paso Locomotive FC’s head coach, Junior Gonzalez, praised Fernández’s addition to the team, calling him “a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line.” Gonzalez highlighted Fernández’s “passion for the game and leadership qualities,” noting how they align with the club’s culture. The coach’s remarks reflect the club’s emphasis on fostering a positive, team-oriented environment—a philosophy Fernández embodies both on and off the field.
Fernández’s signing also marks a significant moment for Ted Lasso fans, who have long admired his character’s dedication to the sport. The show’s creator, Jason Sudeikis, has publicly supported Fernández’s ambitions, calling his decision to play professionally “inspiring.” While Sudeikis did not comment directly on the signing, his past statements about the show’s impact on real-world coaching and football culture suggest Fernández’s achievement is a natural extension of the series’ themes.
What This Means for Fernández and El Paso Locomotive FC
For Fernández, this contract represents more than just a career milestone—it’s a fulfillment of a childhood dream. “Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams,” he quipped in his statement, a nod to his character’s relentless optimism. The move also positions him as a bridge between entertainment and sports, potentially inspiring other actors to pursue dual careers in their passions.
For El Paso Locomotive FC, Fernández’s arrival strengthens their forward line, adding depth to a team that has been competitive in the USL Championship. The club, known for its community-focused approach, gains a player whose off-field charisma mirrors his on-field contributions. His experience in high-pressure environments—both as an actor and a former youth player—could further enhance the team’s dynamic.
El Paso Locomotive FC’s roster now includes Fernández alongside other notable players, though specific names or roles were not detailed in verified sources. The team’s current standing in Group B of the USL Championship suggests they are in a strong position, and Fernández’s addition could further elevate their performance in the upcoming season.
Broader Implications: The Blurring Line Between Fiction and Reality
Fernández’s signing is part of a broader trend where celebrities and public figures cross into professional sports, blurring the lines between entertainment and athletics. While not unprecedented—think of actors like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson transitioning to wrestling or LeBron James leveraging his fame to advocate for social causes—his move is uniquely tied to his fictional persona.
His character, Dani Rojas, was known for his relentless work ethic and love for the game, traits Fernández now embodies in real life. This duality raises questions about how such crossovers affect public perception and whether they create new opportunities for athletes-turned-actors or vice versa. For Fernández, the answer seems clear: football is life, both on and off the screen.
Next Steps: What’s Next for Fernández and El Paso Locomotive FC?
With the 2026 USL Championship season underway, Fernández’s first official match with El Paso Locomotive FC is yet to be announced. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the rigors of professional soccer, particularly given his lengthy hiatus from the sport. The club’s next scheduled game—check the USL Championship calendar for updates—will likely feature Fernández in action.
Beyond the pitch, Fernández’s dual career presents intriguing possibilities. Will he continue acting while playing professionally? Could this pave the way for other actors to pursue sports careers? These questions remain unanswered, but one thing is certain: Fernández’s story is far from over.
Key Takeaways
- Professional Debut: Cristo Fernández has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship, fulfilling a lifelong dream to play professional soccer.
- Background: Fernández played youth soccer for Tecos FC in Mexico before an injury at 15 led him to acting, where he became known for his role as Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso.
- Club Impact: El Paso Locomotive FC describes Fernández as a “great addition,” praising his passion and leadership for the team’s culture.
- Dual Career: His move highlights the growing trend of celebrities bridging entertainment and sports, with potential implications for how public figures pursue multiple passions.
- Fan Connection: Fernández’s real-life soccer career aligns with his fictional persona, offering fans a unique opportunity to see his on-screen dedication in action.
- Next Steps: Fernández’s first official match with El Paso Locomotive FC is forthcoming, with the team’s upcoming games to be monitored for his performance.
Fernández’s journey from actor to athlete is a story of perseverance, passion, and the power of turning dreams into reality. As he steps onto the pitch, he carries with him the hopes of Ted Lasso fans and the expectations of a professional team—proving that sometimes, the greatest performances happen off-screen.
What do you think of Fernández’s transition from acting to professional soccer? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels. For updates on El Paso Locomotive FC’s schedule and Fernández’s progress, visit the USL Championship website.