Ted Lasso Actor Makes Pro Soccer Debut with El Paso Locomotive

Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas on the hit show, is trying to turn his childhood dream into reality.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Cristo Fernandez, the actor who portrayed the beloved character Dani Rojas on the hit TV series "Ted Lasso", has made his professional soccer debut with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive. Fernandez, now 35 years old, played 30 minutes in a friendly match against New Mexico United on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in his journey to revive his childhood soccer aspirations.

Why it matters

Fernandez's professional debut is a heartwarming story of perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams. After a serious knee injury derailed his promising youth soccer career, Fernandez found success in acting, but has now seized the opportunity to return to the sport he loves. His journey resonates with fans of "Ted Lasso" and serves as an inspiration for anyone chasing their passions, no matter the obstacles.

The details

Fernandez, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, played in his local pro team's academy as a teenager but was forced to give up his soccer dreams due to a serious knee injury. He then pursued acting, eventually landing the role of Dani Rojas on the hit TV series "Ted Lasso". Now, at 35 years old, Fernandez has been given a chance to prove himself on the professional soccer pitch, signing with the USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive. He began training with the team just two days before making his debut in a friendly match against New Mexico United.

  • Fernandez made his professional soccer debut on March 2, 2026.
  • Fernandez began training with El Paso Locomotive on February 28, 2026, just two days before his debut.

The players

Cristo Fernandez

The 35-year-old actor who played the beloved character Dani Rojas on the TV series "Ted Lasso". Fernandez is now pursuing his childhood dream of playing professional soccer, signing with the USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive.

El Paso Locomotive

A USL Championship soccer club based in El Paso, Texas, which has given Cristo Fernandez the opportunity to make his professional soccer debut.

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What they’re saying

“They are yet to make a decision on his future. Verdict expected this week.”

— Tom Hindle, Goal reporter (Sporting News)

What’s next

El Paso Locomotive is expected to make a decision on Cristo Fernandez's future with the team this week, following his debut performance.

The takeaway

Cristo Fernandez's professional soccer debut with El Paso Locomotive is a heartwarming story of perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams. After a serious injury derailed his youth soccer career, Fernandez found success in acting, but has now seized the opportunity to return to the sport he loves. His journey serves as an inspiration for anyone chasing their passions, no matter the obstacles.