Cristo Fernández is turning fiction into reality. The Ted Lasso actor—best known for playing endlessly optimistic striker Dani Rojas—has officially signed with El Paso Locomotive FC, the club announced Tuesday. Fernández’s soccer career initially derailed at 15 after suffering an injury while playing in the youth system for Mexican club Tecos FC. But despite finding international fame as an actor, the 35-year-old said he never fully gave up on returning to the field as a professional player. “Football has always been a huge part of my life and identity,” Fernández said. “No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart.” After an “extensive two-month trial” period, Fernández impressed coaches during training sessions and a preseason match against New Mexico United, earning a spot on the club’s 2026 roster as a midfielder. Locomotive coach Junior Gonzalez praised the actor-athlete as a “great addition to our roster,” while Fernández called the unlikely comeback proof that it’s never too late to “chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be.”
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