Two months after signing for El Paso Locomotive, Cristo Fernández — best known for playing fictional soccer star Dani Rojas in the television series “Ted Lasso” — has made his professional debut in the USL.

Fernández, a forward like Rojas, was subbed on in the 79th minute of El Paso’s USL Cup match against New Mexico United on Saturday night. Wearing the No. 91, the actor-cum-player picked up a yellow card in his runout during a 2-0 defeat for Locomotive.

Editor’s Picks

Get ready for the World Cup semifinals! What you need to know, top players, best moments, predictions, odds

  • Before ‘Ted Lasso,’ Cristo Fernández had pro soccer dreams. Now he’s living them.

  • While Fernández’s claim to acting fame might be playing an enthusiastic goal scorer in the “Ted Lasso” universe, his own background as a player is solid as well. He was a talented player growing up, with his résumé as a prospect including time in the youth ranks of former Liga MX side Tecos.

    Injuries through his early 20s, however, derailed his pro dreams, with his eventual pivot away from the sport leading him to find his passion for acting. But now, after a successful stint in his new field, he’s found himself back on the pitch.

    View this post on Instagram

    It wasn’t a simple road back into the sport for Fernández. His sporting dreams never went away, and he began testing himself physically last year with a performance coach, physical therapist and a soccer clinic back in his native Mexico. A trial with MLS’ Chicago Fire’s reserve side came early in 2026, which then turned into another trial with El Paso. That trial turned into a contract.

    “Football has given me both the best moments, the sad moments,” he told ESPN in May. “I guess that’s why, for me, football is life.”

    Now with a USL debut complete, Fernández’s dream is on to the next chapter.

    ✔ today silver rate

    ✔ 2026 winter olympics

    ✔ chat gtp

    ✔ silver rate today

    ✔ silver rate today live

    ✔ 2030 winter olympics

    Read More

    Sports

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *