Ted Lasso Star Signs With Real Life Pro Soccer Club

by

A Ted Lasso star just turned his on-screen role into reality.

The popular and award-winning Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso features Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, an upbeat American football coach from the college level. He’s brought in to coach a professional soccer team in England, but the show is changing things up for season four, which starts August 5th. This season will act as a fresh start, with Ted now coaching a women’s soccer team.

Cristo Fernández, the actor known for playing Dani Rojas on the show Ted Lasso, has officially joined the El Paso Locomotive FC, a professional soccer team in the USL Championship. He previously practiced with the Chicago Fire’s reserve team and spent two months training with El Paso, even playing in a pre-season game. Fernández shared that…

Football is more than just a game to me – it’s always been a core part of who I am. Even as life changed, I never stopped dreaming of playing professionally. I’m so thankful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the whole team, from the coaches and staff to especially my teammates – for believing in me and giving me a chance to compete right away. It really means the world to me.

Returning to professional soccer is a testament to self-belief, taking chances, and relentlessly pursuing your dreams, even when life takes surprising turns. As they say in Mexico, ‘hay que seguirle echando ganas’ – we have to keep giving it our all. I’m eternally grateful to God, my family, and friends for believing in me. Perhaps I’m just a dreamer… which is why joining the Locos feels so right. Let’s go Locos!

At 35, actor Fernández began playing soccer as a child in Mexico, but his career was cut short by injuries. He then moved to London and became an actor, eventually landing the role of Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso. Rojas is a cheerful young soccer player from Mexico who joins AFC Richmond after recovering from an injury, and he’s famous for his optimistic motto: “Football is life!”

Besides acting, Fernández was also trying to get back into professional soccer. El Paso Locomotive FC’s coach, Junior Gonzalez, stated:

We’re thrilled to welcome Cristo to the team! He’s a dynamic attacker who will strengthen our offense. Beyond his skills on the field, Cristo brings great energy and leadership that will help us build an even stronger team culture.

Read More

2026-05-13 20:18