Cristo Fernandez, the actor famed for his role as the perpetually optimistic Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, has officially made his professional football debut. The 35-year-old Mexican forward stepped onto the pitch for American second-tier side El Paso Locomotive on Sunday, achieving a personal goal many years in the making.
Fernandez entered the fray as a 79th-minute substitute during Locomotive's final USL Cup group stage fixture against rivals New Mexico United. Despite the personal milestone, the match ended in a 2-0 defeat for El Paso Locomotive. Fernandez, who plays as a forward, also received a yellow card in the 87th minute for a foul on New Mexico United goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
His journey to professional football has been a winding one. Fernandez played youth football in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, but was forced to step away from the sport at the age of 15 due to a knee injury. He later moved to London, where he was cast in the award-winning Ted Lasso, a show that resonated deeply with football fans globally for its depiction of a fictional Premier League team, AFC Richmond.
Fernandez officially signed with El Paso Locomotive, based in El Paso, Texas, in May of this year, following a two-month trial period. Reflecting on his return to the sport, Fernandez previously stated, "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."
For fans of the popular series, a fourth series of Ted Lasso is scheduled to begin streaming on Apple TV+ from 5 August, offering another opportunity to see Fernandez in his iconic acting role, alongside his burgeoning football career.