Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive

Cristo Fernandez has turned fiction into reality after making his long-awaited professional football debut for El Paso Locomotive, just two months after signing with the USL Championship club.

Best known for playing the ever-enthusiastic Dani Rojas in the hit television series Ted Lasso, the Mexican actor finally realised a lifelong ambition by stepping onto the pitch in a competitive professional match.

Fernandez makes long-awaited debut

Fernandez was introduced in the 79th minute of El Paso Locomotive’s USL Cup clash against rivals New Mexico United.

Wearing the No. 91 shirt, the 35-year-old made his first professional appearance as Locomotive suffered a 2-0 defeat, but the result did little to overshadow the significance of the occasion.

The appearance marked a remarkable milestone for the actor, whose famous catchphrase in Ted Lasso — “Football is life” — has now become a reality once again.

Returning to the sport he loves

Long before his acting career took off, Fernandez was a promising footballer.

He developed through the youth academy of former Liga MX club Tecos before injuries forced him to abandon his dream of playing professionally and pursue a career in entertainment.

Despite finding worldwide fame through Ted Lasso, Fernandez never lost his passion for football.

Over the past year, he committed himself to an intensive fitness programme, working with performance coaches in an effort to earn another opportunity in the professional game.

Hard work earns professional contract

Fernandez first tested himself with Chicago Fire’s reserve side earlier in 2026 before eventually impressing El Paso Locomotive enough to secure a professional deal.

His determination culminated in Saturday night’s debut, completing an emotional return to competitive football after more than a decade away from the professional pathway.

Although his cameo was brief, Fernandez certainly made his presence felt, receiving a yellow card during his appearance.

“Football has given me everything”

Fernandez has often spoken about the profound impact football has had on his life.

Reflecting on his unique journey from football prospect to Hollywood actor and back to professional football, he previously said:

“Football has given me both the best moments and the sad moments. I guess that’s why, for me, football is life.”

For the actor who inspired millions as Dani Rojas, stepping onto the field as a professional footballer was more than just a publicity moment—it was the fulfilment of a dream that injuries once appeared to end.

Now, life has come full circle, proving that sometimes football really is life.