From Screen to Pitch
Cristo Fernandez, best known for his role as Danny Rojas in the hit series Ted Lasso, stepped onto a soccer field for the first time in a professional setting during a USL Cup encounter with El Paso.
The 35‑year‑old entered the game in the 79th minute, and his debut was immediately marked by a yellow card that reflected the intensity of the contest.
Fernandez’s journey to the pitch began in the youth academy of Tecos FC in Mexico’s Liga MX, where a series of injuries forced him to abandon a promising playing career.
He later turned to acting, a pivot that led to his breakout role in Ted Lasso, and he has now returned to the sport by signing with El Paso after impressing during trials with the Chicago Fire’s reserve side.
A nostalgic callback
During a recent appearance on ESPN, Fernandez revived his character’s famous line, “Football is life!”, reminding fans that the sport has been both a source of joy and heartbreak for him.
He added that the beautiful game has given him “the best and the saddest moments”, underscoring the complex relationship he now shares with the sport.