Cristo Fernández, the actor best known for his effervescent portrayal of Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ hit 'Ted Lasso,' stepped onto a professional soccer pitch for the first time this week, suiting up for El Paso Locomotive FC in a USL Cup encounter against New Mexico United.
The 31‑year‑old entered the game in the 79th minute, a late substitution that sparked a brief flurry of activity before the match concluded with a 2‑0 victory for New Mexico United, who added two goals in the closing stages.
Fernández’s debut was marked by a cautionary moment when he collided with the opposing goalkeeper, resulting in a yellow card that underscored the physical nature of the contest.
Though he did not find the net, the former Mexican midfielder’s presence on the roster is notable; at the time of his signing he was the oldest player on El Paso’s list and the fifth‑oldest competitor in the entire USL Championship.
His journey to the pitch began in the youth academies of Tecos FC in Jalisco, Mexico, before a pivot to acting that culminated in a breakout role on 'Ted Lasso.' Prior to joining El Paso, he spent time training with Chicago Fire II, honing his skills in a bid to translate his football knowledge into on‑field performance.
A Brief Look at Fernández’s Dual Career
Balancing a flourishing acting career with a lifelong passion for soccer, Fernández exemplifies a growing trend of entertainers who venture into sports, leveraging personal history and fan enthusiasm to pursue new challenges.