Actor Cristo Fernández, best known for playing Dani Rojas in the television series Ted Lasso, has signed for United States second-tier football club El Paso Locomotive FC after completing a trial with the side.
The 35-year-old Mexican joins the USL Championship club more than a decade after stepping away from football because of injury.
Fernández played youth football in Guadalajara before suffering a knee injury that forced him to quit the sport at the age of 15.
He later relocated to London, where he pursued an acting career and eventually gained global recognition through Ted Lasso, which aired between 2020 and 2023.
Despite his success in film and television, Fernández maintained a close connection with football and earlier this year also trained with the reserve side of Chicago Fire FC as part of his attempt to return to competitive football.
Speaking after completing his move, Fernández said football had remained central to his life despite his acting career.
He 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.”
The actor added that his return to the sport reflects his determination to pursue a lifelong ambition.
Fernández said: “Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the ‘Locos’ actually makes perfect sense.”
El Paso Locomotive head coach Junior Gonzalez welcomed the signing and described the Mexican as an important attacking option for the team.
Gonzalez said: “Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line.”
Fernández’s move has drawn attention across football and entertainment circles, with fans reacting to his unusual transition from television success back into professional football.
