Cristo Fernandez: From “Ted Lasso” to El Paso Locomotive debut


Cristo Fernandez smiling and clapping while wearing a red Adidas t‑shirt

Mexican actor‑turned‑footballer Cristo Fernandez finally climbed onto the pitch after a long detour through Hollywood, making his professional debut for USL side El Paso Locomotive in a 2‑0 loss to New Mexico United.


Fernandez, 35, had played youth football in Guadalajara but gave up the game at 15 after a knee injury, later moving to London where he landed the role of Dani Rojas in the Apple TV drama “Ted Lasso.”


After a two‑month trial, he signed with the El Paso club in May and was subbed on in the 79th minute of the team’s last USL Cup group game. He appeared on the pitch for only a few minutes, making three touches before being booked with a yellow card for a foul on New Mexico’s goalkeeper Kris Shakes.


“Football is life,” Fernandez said in a post‑game interview, calling his comeback a testament to believing in oneself, taking risks and chasing a dream.


With the fourth series of “Ted Lasso” set to premiere on Apple TV on 5 August, Fernandez has a career that is proving that football can make a second act, no matter the age or unexpected turns.