An actor from the beloved television series ‘Ted Lasso’ has made his fictional soccer career a reality by joining a professional team in the United States.
Cristo Fernandez, known for his role as Dani Rojas on the Apple TV+ hit show featuring an American coach leading a British soccer team, has officially signed with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship league.
The 35-year-old performer previously played youth soccer in Mexico but left the sport at 15 following a knee injury. While building his acting career, Fernandez never abandoned his athletic aspirations and even trained with the Chicago Fire’s reserve squad in Major League Soccer this year.
El Paso Locomotive FC announced the signing Tuesday following Fernandez’s successful two-month tryout period, during which he made a preseason appearance for the team.
‘(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,’ Fernandez stated on the team’s website.
‘Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.’
The club, established in 2018, currently holds fourth place in Group B of the USL Championship standings.
Head coach Junior Gonzalez praised the new addition, 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,’ Gonzalez added.
