Ted Lasso Actor Cristo Fernandez Signs Pro Soccer Deal

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC. The Silicon Review reports on the Dani Rojas star's two-month trial and USL Championship debut.

The actor who played fictional footballer Dani Rojas on "Ted Lasso" is now a real professional soccer player. Cristo Fernandez, 35, has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship, America's second-tier league, the club announced Tuesday.

"He will play striker both on the pitch & on-screen," the club said. The signing follows an extensive two-month trial with the Texas-based side that included a preseason appearance against New Mexico United, where Fernandez clocked 30 minutes.

"Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line," Locomotive head coach Junior Gonzalez said. "His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allows us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club." 

Fernandez began his soccer career at the youth level with Tecos FC in Guadalajara, Mexico, before a knee injury forced him to step away from the sport at age 15. He briefly played for Puerto Rico's Guayama FC before pivoting to acting, moving to the United Kingdom to pursue a master's degree.

The actor featured in several independent films before landing his breakthrough role in "Ted Lasso" as the eternally enthusiastic Rojas, whose signature phrase "Football is life" became a cultural touchstone during the show's three-season run .

"Futbol has always been a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart," Fernandez said in a statement. "This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be." 

El Paso Locomotive, founded in 2018, currently sits fourth in the Western Conference standings with four wins, three losses and two draws. The same club helped launch the career of Real Salt Lake and U.S. World Cup hopeful Diego Luna. Fernandez is expected to compete for minutes as a winger or forward when Locomotive returns to action May 27 against AV Alta FC.

As Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez turns Dani Rojas' 'Football is life' chant into a real professional contract, The Silicon Review examines how a 35-year-old Mexican forward is proving that second chances and crazy dreams can still come true  on a Texas pitch.

Q: Who is the Ted Lasso actor that signed a pro soccer contract?

A: Cristo Fernandez, the Mexican actor who played Dani Rojas on Apple TV's "Ted Lasso," signed a professional contract with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC in Texas after a two-month trial.

Q: What US soccer team did the Ted Lasso actor sign with?

A: Fernandez signed with El Paso Locomotive FC, a professional soccer club in the USL Championship which is the second tier of American professional soccer. The team is based in El Paso, Texas.

Q: Did Cristo Fernandez play soccer before acting?

A: Yes, Fernandez played youth soccer for Tecos FC in Guadalajara, Mexico. A knee injury ended his pursuit of a professional career at age 15, leading him to pursue acting instead.

Q: What position does Cristo Fernandez play as a professional soccer player?

A: Fernandez plays as a forward and winger the same attacking position as his "Ted Lasso" character Dani Rojas. El Paso Locomotive's head coach called him an "attacking threat."

Q: When will Cristo Fernandez make his professional soccer debut?

A: El Paso Locomotive returns to action on May 27, 2026, for the USL Cup group stage against AV Alta FC. League play resumes May 30 against Lexington SC.

Q: What did Cristo Fernandez say about signing his pro soccer contract?

A: Fernandez said: "Futbol has always been a huge part of my life. The dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart. Maybe I'm just a crazy man with crazy dreams."