Actor Cristo Fernandez signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC on May 12, 2026 [1], [2].
The move marks a rare transition from scripted television to professional athletics. Fernandez, who portrayed the star striker Dani Rojas on the hit series "Ted Lasso," is now pursuing a real-life career in the sport he spent years simulating on screen [3], [5].
Fernandez is 35 years old [1]. He joins the Texas-based club after completing a trial period that lasted two months [4]. The club said the actor met the requirements to compete at the professional level [1], [2].
El Paso Locomotive FC competes in the USL Championship, which serves as the second division of U.S. soccer [2], [3]. This league sits below Major League Soccer in the American soccer pyramid, a competitive environment where players face rigorous physical and tactical demands.
While Fernandez gained international recognition for his role in "Ted Lasso," his signing is the result of a documented trial process rather than a publicity stunt [4]. The transition from actor to athlete is uncommon in professional sports, particularly at the second-tier level where rosters are typically reserved for lifelong trainees or seasoned professionals [3], [5].
Fernandez will now integrate into the El Paso squad as they compete in the USL Championship season [1], [2].
“Fernandez is now pursuing a real-life career in the sport he spent years simulating on screen.”
This signing represents a unique intersection of pop culture and professional sports. By securing a contract in the USL Championship, Fernandez validates his athletic ability beyond the requirements of acting. For El Paso Locomotive FC, the signing provides a potential marketing boost and increased visibility, while testing whether a non-traditional path to professional soccer can yield competitive results.
