Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has taken his role as a footballer from the small screen to the football pitch after signing a professional contract with American second division club El Paso Locomotive FC.
Fernandez, who played youth soccer in Mexico before leaving the sport at age 15 due to a knee injury, played Dani Rojas in the hit AppleTV+ show about a British team with an American coach.
On the sidelines of his acting career, Fernandez, 35, also pursued a return to professional football and trained with the reserves of Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire earlier this year.
Before signing with El Paso on Tuesday, he underwent a two-month tryout with the USL Championship club, which also included a preseason appearance.
“(Football) has always been a big part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally has never really left my heart,” Fernandez said on the club website.
“Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.”
Founded in 2018, El Paso is ranked fourth in Group B of the USL Championship standings.
“Cristo is a great addition to our roster and adds another attacking threat to our forward line,” said the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez.
“His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our dressing room will ensure we can continue to grow the positive culture we strive for as a club.”
Published on May 13, 2026
