Ted Lasso Star Cristo Fernandez Impresses in Preseason Friendly with El Paso Locomotive
Cristo Fernandez, known for his role as Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, recently showed off his soccer skills in a preseason friendly for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive. Read on to find out more about his potential professional contract with the club.

Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso, appeared in a preseason friendly for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive on Saturday, a club source confirmed. They are expected to make a decision on a professional contract early this week. Fernandez, who appeared in the first three seasons of the show, played youth soccer in Mexico until he was 15. Fernandez, 35, is in talks to sign a professional contract with El Paso after playing 30 minutes in their friendly over New Mexico United. He was pictured training over the weekend, and club sources confirmed to GOAL Monday morning that a decision will be made on the TV star's future in the coming days. Fernandez, who played Rojas of imaginary AFC Richmond, was on the verge of a professional soccer career as a teenager. He was a part of the Tecos FC academy, then a first division Mexican team, until he was 15. He suffered two significant knee injuries and was encouraged to pursue his studies with a future in soccer looking unlikely. He pursued acting after picking it up at the University of Guadalajara. Rojas is an avid soccer fan who is often pictured at games around the world.He also appeared in a game for Chicago Fire 2 last month.Fernandez is not the only Ted Lasso star with significant experience in the game. Kola Bokinni, who portrayed Captain Isaac McAdoo, played at a semi-professional level, with Phil Dunster, endeared for his performance as misfit striker Jamie Tartt, has been hailed by multiple cast members for his footballing skill. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe club will make a decision on Fernandez's future this week, they confirmed to GOAL. El Paso Locomotive were a playoff team last year, finishing fourth in the Western Conference. Their season starts this Saturday with a home matchup against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Cristo Fernandez's Journey from Actor to Possible Professional Soccer Player
Cristo Fernandez, widely recognized for his portrayal of Dani Rojas on the popular Apple TV series Ted Lasso, surprised fans by taking the field in a preseason friendly for El Paso Locomotive. The 35-year-old actor, who had a background in youth soccer in Mexico, played 30 minutes in the friendly against New Mexico United as the club contemplates offering him a professional contract.
From Soccer Youth to Acting Career and Back to Soccer
Fernandez's soccer career was initially derailed by two major knee injuries during his teenage years. However, his passion for the game never faded, leading him to pursue acting while keeping his love for soccer alive. His recent appearance for El Paso Locomotive hints at a potential return to the sport he once dreamed of playing professionally.
Fernandez's Potential Move to El Paso Locomotive
As El Paso Locomotive prepares for the upcoming season, the decision on offering Cristo Fernandez a professional contract is looming. The club, a playoff team last year, sees potential in the versatile performer's soccer abilities and may finalize a deal in the coming days. Fans eagerly anticipate whether Fernandez will transition from the screen to the soccer pitch.

