Actor Cristo Fernandez, best known for playing Dani Rojas in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, has signed a professional football contract with El Paso Locomotive FC of the United Soccer League (USL). The deal was announced on Tuesday, with terms undisclosed and subject to league and federation approval.
Fernandez, 35, earned the contract after a two-month trial with the club, during which he played in a pre-season match against New Mexico United. His football journey began at youth level, but an injury at age 15 led him to acting. 'No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,' he said.
Locomotive coach Junior Gonzalez praised Fernandez as a valuable attacking threat who brings passion and leadership to the dressing room. Fernandez has appeared in all three seasons of Ted Lasso since 2020, with a fourth season due later this year.
Off the pitch, Fernandez featured in a 2024 State Farm commercial with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and had a small role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 alongside Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves. Now in his mid-thirties, he is set to pursue his football dream after signing his first professional contract.
