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From Dani Rojas to USL: 'Ted Lasso' actor signs with pro soccer team
The "Ted Lasso" star is taking to the soccer pitch in El Paso -- for real. By The Associated Press • Published May 12, 2026 • Updated on May 12, 2026 at 4:39 pm NBC Universal, Inc. Cristo Fernández, known for his role as Dani Rojas on the hit show “Ted Lasso,” shares how the series fed his passion for soccer. Forward Cristo Fernandez, the actor who portrayed Dani Rojas on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso,” has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL to play soccer professionally. Terms of the deal announced Tuesday, which still must be approved by the second-tier league and soccer federation, were not disclosed. Fernandez earned the deal after a two-month trial with the team, appearing in a preseason match against New Mexico United. He played soccer at the youth level before an injury at the age of 15 led him to acting. “No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said. “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC — the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates — for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one." Locomotive coach Junior Gonzalez said Fernandez is a great addition, giving them another attacking threat while bringing passion and leadership to the locker room. Cristo Fernández, known as Dani Rojas from "Ted Lasso", shares his thoughts on the Premier League and his desire to meet Cristiano Ronaldo. Copyright The Associated Press
Dani Rojas from 'Ted Lasso' signs pro contract with El Paso USL club
Cristo Fernández, an actor best known for his portrayal of Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV series, “Ted Lasso,” has signed a contract to play professional soccer in real life.The 35-year-old Mexican forward and actor signed with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship, the club announced Tuesday. The terms of the deal, including its length, were not disclosed. The deal is also pending league and federation approval, the club said.“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 heart,” Fernández said in a club statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.”The signing comes after Fernández underwent an “extensive” two-month trial with the Texas-based club. The trial included training and even a preseason debut against New Mexico United. A former player whose career was derailed by injuries, Fernández has been documenting his journey back to professional soccer on social media, training with various professional teams around the country, including with MLS-affiliated clubs in lower divisions. USL Championship plays in the second-division of professional men’s soccer in the United States. “It hasn’t been easy to go back to play professional,” Fernández said in March, when rumblings of his trials with different teams began. “I know it’s a work in progress getting back in the game, especially when it’s professional, for any high-performance level, but I know I can do it, and I believe in myself, and I know it’s the beginning of this journey. I’m ready for what’s next.”The actor’s signing brings an obvious boost in visibility for Locomotive FC and for USL Championship. But his arrival could also boost the club on the pitch, especially if Fernández is able to contribute meaningfully on the wing.“That’s another spot where El Paso just doesn’t have a lot of firepower right now,” USL analyst John Morrissey recently told The Athletic. “To me, that all reads in the direction of, if he does sign, if he has this first-team opportunity, he could be in line to play some real minutes for El Paso this season. There is the publicity aspect, but I think he would be expected to be a equal contributor in a lot of ways.”Fernández began his professional soccer career at the youth level with Tecos FC in Jalisco, Mexico, ...
'Ted Lasso' star Cristo Fernández signs pro soccer contract
Cristo Fernández is turning his on-screen soccer dreams into reality. The actor best known for playing Dani Rojas on the hit Apple TV+ comedy "Ted Lasso" has signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, the club announced Tuesday. During that stretch, the Mexican actor and ...
Ted Lasso Actor Cristo Fernandez Signs Pro Soccer Deal
The actor who played fictional footballer Dani Rojas on "Ted Lasso" is now a real professional soccer player. Cristo Fernandez, 35, has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship, America's second-tier league, the club announced Tuesday.
