From fiction to reality, Cristo Fernández, the Mexican actor who plays Dani Rojas on the hit series *Ted Lasso*, has officially signed with El Paso Locomotive FC, a USL Championship club based in Texas. At 35 years old, he is set to make his professional football debut, stepping onto the pitch one tier below Major League Soccer.
Fernández played football in his youth, but a serious injury at age 15 forced him to pivot toward an acting career. Despite that setback, he never let go of his dream to compete professionally. “No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing at a professional level has never truly left my heart,” he said. “I am extremely grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC for giving me this opportunity to make it real.”
After a two-month trial period, Fernández impressed head coach Junior Gonzalez, who praised his “passion for the game and leadership.” Gonzalez added, “He’s a great addition to our squad and another strong option for our attack.”
El Paso Locomotive FC officially announced the signing on May 12, 2026, via social media: “The rumors were true. Welcome to El Paso, Cristo Fernández.” The club noted that Fernández will play as a forward, adding depth to the team’s offensive line.