By Published May 13, 2026, 5:15 PM EDT After joining Screen Rant in January 2026, Guy became a Senior Features Writer in March of the same year, and now specializes in features about classic TV shows. With several years' experience writing for and editing TV, film and music publications, his areas of expertise include a wide range of genres, from comedies, animated series, and crime dramas, to Westerns and political thrillers. Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
just received some exciting news from the real world of professional soccer, as one of its biggest stars has signed for a Texan club in the second-tier USL Championship. This is the first time any of the show’s cast will have played the sport known globally as football at a professional level.
This major career milestone could have happened to a more deserving cast member. Cristo Fernández, the 35-year-old Mexican actor who plays Dani Rojas in the show, is the latest signing of USL side El Paso Locomotive. While Rojas is certainly among the , Fernández is way out on his own in terms of footballing ability.
He played the sport at a higher level as a teenager, joining the youth team of Mexican top-division side Tecos when he was 15 years old. Fernández had every intention of becoming a professional footballer, until an injury to his left knee cruelly put an end to this ambition. Luckily, he found another way to put his sporting talent to good use.
Fernández played a key member of Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond squad, as his character developed a rivalry with star striker Jamie Tartt. Now, with Dani Rojas’ , the actor doesn’t need to play a big part in the show’s upcoming fourth season. He’s free to enjoy his new job instead.
Ted Lasso Dani Rojas Update Is Its Biggest Real Soccer Story
The news that has delighted fans of the show, and brought a new level of realism to its depiction of the sport. Until now, the sitcom’s sporting characters were played by actors who could, at best, be described as talented footballing amateurs.
Fernández was always a bit different, though, as he grew up believing he could become a professional footballer, and he very nearly made it to the big leagues during his teenage years. Although an injury put paid to this plan decades ago, he’s finally become a professional player in his mid-30s.
In part thanks to the global exposure he’s received as a star of Ted Lasso, Fernández got the chance to train with Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire’s reserve team. That experience then won him a two-month trial at El Paso Locomotive, which he apparently passed with flying colors.
Locomotive’s head coach Junior Gonzalez has singled out Fernández’s leadership qualities for special praise. He’s now signed a full-time professional contract with the club, and will play as a forward for its first team.
Actor Cristo Fernández Is Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream By Playing Professional Football
While Cristo Fernández has previously expressed his desire to see , this move into professional soccer makes the possibility of his character’s return especially remote. But the actor is unlikely to care, as he’s now fulfilling another lifelong dream by pulling on the shirt of a real-life football club.
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In a moving statement after he put pen to paper for his contract with El Paso Locomotive, Fernández expressed just how much this moment means to him. His words are the best imaginable expression of his Ted Lasso character’s famous catchphrase, “Football is life”:
“Football 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…
“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.”
Indeed, Fernández spent most of his teenage years thinking he would probably make it as a professional in his favorite sport, only for fate to snatch this career path away from him. Yet, he’s persevered, and found his way back into the game via the most unconventional route there is.
At an age when most professional footballers are thinking about retirement, Cristo Fernández is about to make his debut at the top level, 20 years on from when he signed for his hometown club’s youth team in Mexico. This is Ted Lasso’s achievement to celebrate, too. Fernández ultimately got this opportunity because of the show that made him a star.
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StreamingTed Lasso is an American football coach who moves to England, hired to manage a struggling soccer team, despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them that he's fit for the job.
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