Cristo Fernández, best known for his charismatic turn as Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ hit 'Ted Lasso,' stepped onto a soccer field in the United States for the first time as a professional player.
A Unexpected Return
The actor’s debut came with El Paso Locomotive FC in a USL Championship match against New Mexico United, where he entered in the 79th minute and was shown a yellow card eight minutes later.
Fernández’s journey to the pitch was anything but straightforward. Before turning to acting, he had trained with Mexican club Guadalajara Estudiantes Tecos and Puerto Rico’s Guayama FC, but injuries forced him to pivot toward the performing arts. He later honed his craft at the Guildford School of Acting in England, graduating from the institution before returning to the sport.
A New Chapter
On social media, Fernández has chronicled his rehabilitation and training regimen, sharing clips of sessions with clubs across the country and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Locomotive jersey.
His signing with El Paso Locomotive FC marks a full‑circle moment, blending his love for the game with a fresh creative outlet. The club, based in Texas, welcomed the former student‑athlete as a symbolic addition to a roster that continues to grow its profile in American soccer.