Ted Lasso Actor Cristó Fernández Makes Pro Soccer Debut in Texas

Cristó Fernández, the actor best known for playing passionate striker Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso, made his professional soccer debut Saturday with El Paso Locomotive FC, the second division United Soccer League club he signed with in May.

Fernández entered as a substitute for forward Rubio Rubín in the 79th minute of a home match against New Mexico United at Southwest University Park. The game was attended by more than 5,000 fans. El Paso lost 2-0 in the United Soccer League Cup match.

According to Deadline, Fernández had previously played with Tecos FC at the youth level before an injury ended that run. He signed with El Paso following a two-month trial.

When the signing was announced, Fernández released a statement. "Fútbol 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 hear," he said. He continued, "This journey back to professional fútbol soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be. Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas (let's keep giving it our all). Siempre agradecido con Dios, mi familia y amistades por creer en mí. Maybe I'm just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the 'Locos' actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!"

Whether Fernández will return for Ted Lasso Season 4 remains unclear. The new season, which focuses on a women's team, premieres August 5 on Apple TV+. Fernández and other cast members from earlier seasons could appear in guest roles.