Sports12 May, 20262 min read
Ted Lasso Actor Cristo Fernández Signs With USL Championship Side El Paso Locomotive
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35-year-old Mexican actor Cristo Fernández signs with USL Championship's El Paso Locomotive after two-month trial. The signing marks Fernández's move from television to professional football.
Actor signs pro deal
Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández signed a professional contract with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive, a second-tier club in the United States, after an extensive two-month trial that included a pre-season appearance. The 35-year-old Mexican, who portrayed Dani Rojas in Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso between 2020 and 2023, had stepped away from football at 15 because of a knee injury.
Fernández said, "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," as he described the move as a return to professional soccer. El Paso, founded in 2018, said the signing was pending league and federation approval, and the club described Fernández as "a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line."
Trial, training, and quotes
Before signing, Fernández trained with the reserves of Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire earlier this year, and he also trialled with Chicago Fire FC II, according to talkSPORT and the BBC. talkSPORT said his audition lasted two months and that he earned a deal after echoing his fictional manager Lasso’s mantra to 'believe' during the trial.
On the club website, Fernández told El Paso Locomotive, "Maybe I'm just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the 'Locos' actually makes perfect sense." The BBC also quoted Fernández describing the journey as "This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be."
Next matches and season
El Paso said it next plays on May 27 against AV Alta FC, and the club is fourth in Group B of the USL Championship Western Conference standings.
“El Paso Locomotive FC announced it had signed ‘Ted Lasso’ actor Cristo Fernández, pending league and federation approval.”
USA TODAY reported Fernández’s signing was announced Tuesday, May 12, and said El Paso’s next home game is on Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. Mountain time at Southwest University Park in El Paso.
Sports Illustrated added that El Paso return to action on May 27 for the group stage of the USL Cup facing AV Alta FC, and then return to league play on May 30 battling Lexington SC.
While the contract terms were not disclosed in talkSPORT, the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez said Fernández’s "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."