Perhaps it’s a case of life imitating art, or simply things working out as intended. Cristo Fernández, best known for playing Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso, has signed with a professional soccer team.
Taking up acting wasn’t Fernández’s original plan. His soccer career began at the youth level as a forward with Tecos FC in his native Guadalajara. However, a knee injury at 15 seemed to bring that dream to an end. Later, he moved to London, where he studied acting. By 2019, he had returned to Mexico when he decided to send in an audition tape for Ted Lasso.
The rumors were true. Welcome to El Paso, Cristo Fernández. 🚂
El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed forward Cristo Fernández. Learn more🗞️: https://t.co/810iopg2NN #VamosLocos #VamosElPaso pic.twitter.com/Tfbjjpmfzm— El Paso Locomotive FC (@eplocomotivefc) May 12, 2026
Now, at age 35, with Ted Lasso shifting focus to a women’s team in its fourth season, Cristo Fernández is returning to the field.
Cristo Fernández Signs With A Real-Life Soccer Team
In a May 12 press release, El Paso Locomotive FC announced it had signed Cristo Fernández pending league and federation approval. The deal comes after a two-month trial with the team. He also appeared in a preseason match against New Mexico United.
Cristo Fernández – Jimmy Kimmel Live, YouTube
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“Fútbol 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 in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.”
First A Change in Character — Now A Change in Career
Fernández has spoken highly of his time playing Dani Rojas. In interviews, he has revealed the character was originally intended to be an antagonist. Once cast, the writers rewrote him to emphasize a boundless enthusiasm that led many fans—and characters on the show—to compare him to a Golden Retriever.
Cristo Fernández – LiveKellyandMark, YouTube
In his statement, Cristo Fernández also expressed enthusiasm for the next chapter of his professional career.
“This journey back to professional fútbol soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be. Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas (let’s keep giving it our all). Siempre agradecido con Dios, mi familia y amistades por creer en mí. Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the ‘Locos’ actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!”
A Full-Circle Moment For Dani Rojas
Notably, Cristo Fernández will be playing forward for El Paso Locomotive FC — the same position Dani Rojas played on Ted Lasso.
Meanwhile, season four of Ted Lasso has been in production since last July. It will premiere globally on Apple TV+ in August with weekly episodes. In the new season, Jason Sudeikis’ Ted will coach a second-division women’s soccer team. However, Deadline reports that cast members from the men’s team, such as Fernández and Phil Dunster, could make cameo appearances.
Jason Sudeikis in the Ted Lasso Season 4 trailer – Apple TV, YouTube
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For Cristo Fernández, signing with a professional soccer team represents a full-circle moment. After years of embodying a character who believed soccer was everything, Fernández now has the opportunity to experience that passion firsthand again. It’s a rare case where television fantasy and real life seem to meet at midfield.
How do you feel about Cristo Fernández leaving acting for a return to soccer? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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