Cristo Fernández, best known for playing footballer Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV series “Ted Lasso,” has turned his on-screen role into reality by signing a professional contract with U.S. second-tier club El Paso Locomotive FC. He also appeared as Gustavo in Apple TV’s “Acapulco” (Season 3).
The actor, who played youth football in Mexico before a knee injury forced him to step away from the sport at age 15, will now take to the pitch for real.
Alongside his acting career, the 35-year-old Fernandez has been working toward a professional football comeback. He trained with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire’s reserve team earlier this year.
Before signing with El Paso Locomotive FC on Tuesday, he completed a two-month trial with the USL Championship club that also included a pre-season appearance.
Reuters:
“(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,” Fernandez said on the club website. “Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.”
El Paso, founded in 2018, are fourth in Group B of the USL Championship standings.
“Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line,” the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez said. “His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club.”
MacDailyNews Take: Football is life! Good luck, Cristo!
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