Cristo Fernández, best known for his role as Dani Rojas on the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso, has taken his football career from the screen to the pitch. The 35-year-old actor has signed a professional contract with El Paso Locomotive, a second-tier USL Championship club based in Texas.
From TV Stardom to Professional Football
Fernández portrayed the cheerful and optimistic forward Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, a show about an American coach leading a fictional English soccer team. Before his acting career took off, Fernández played youth football in Mexico but stepped away from the sport at age 15 due to a knee injury. However, his passion for the game never faded.
In recent months, Fernández had been training with the reserves of Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire as part of his efforts to return to professional football. He then underwent a two-month trial with El Paso Locomotive, which included a pre-season appearance, before securing a contract.
A Dream Fulfilled
"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," Fernández said on the club's website. "Maybe I'm just a crazy man with crazy dreams."
El Paso Locomotive's head coach, Junior Gonzalez, expressed enthusiasm about the signing. "Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line," Gonzalez said. "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."
El Paso Locomotive, founded in 2018, currently sits fourth in Group B of the USL Championship standings. Fernández's signing adds an intriguing storyline to the club's season, as the actor brings both talent and a unique background to the squad.
