Ted Lasso Actor Cristo Fernández Signs With USL Championship Side El Paso Locomotive

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.

“- Published Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has signed for American second-tier side El Paso Locomotive after a two-month trial”

BBC

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.

BBC

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."

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.

Sports Illustrated

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."

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.

“Hollywood star Cristo Fernández, best known for his role as star striker Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV show Ted Lasso, has earned a professional soccer contract that turns fiction into reality”

Sports Illustrated

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."