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Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, is pursuing a real professional football career now.
Cristo Fernandez aka Dani Rojas of AFC Richmond From ‘Ted Lasso’ (AFP)
Fans of Ted Lasso know Dani Rojas for his infectious “football is life!” energy.
Now, the actor who brought that character to life might actually be turning fiction into reality.
Cristo Fernández, who plays the cheerful striker in the hit series, is pursuing a genuine professional football career after taking part in a trial with El Paso Locomotive FC.
The USL Championship side gave the Mexican actor a chance during preseason, where he featured for around 30 minutes in a friendly match over the weekend.
According to local reports, Fernández could even sign a professional deal with the club in the coming week.
From Actor to Football Trialist
The 35-year-old trained with the Texas-based club earlier this week as he pushes to earn a full-time contract.
But Fernández’s football journey actually began long before his acting career took off.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, he played youth football until the age of 15 and progressed through the lower divisions of Mexican football. He was part of the setup at Estudiantes Tecos, a now-defunct Liga MX club, and also competed in Mexico’s second and third divisions.
Fernández later played in Puerto Rico’s top flight with Guayama FC before a serious knee injury ended his playing career at the time.
After that setback, he moved to the United Kingdom to study acting: a decision that eventually led to his breakout role on Ted Lasso.
“Football Opened the Doors”
Fernández recently confirmed his return to football in a video posted on Instagram, reflecting on how the sport shaped his life.
“Honestly, I would have never imagined how life was going to turn out for me. That, with my crazy dreams of wanting to be an actor and filmmaker, football was going to be the thing that opened all the doors for me.”
Despite the long gap since his playing days, he remains determined to prove he can compete again at the professional level.
“It hasn’t been easy to go back and play professional football again. It’s a work in progress, but I know I can do it, and I believe in myself. I’m ready for what’s next.”
More Trials in the US
El Paso isn’t the only club Fernández has trained with recently.
Earlier this year, he also spent time with Chicago Fire II, the reserve side of Chicago Fire FC that competes in MLS Next Pro. During that stint, he reportedly even scored in a friendly match, further fuelling hopes that his unlikely sporting comeback could become a reality.
Football, it seems, really is life.
March 09, 2026, 7:06 PM IST
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