Mexican actor Cristo Fernández has signed as a forward with the professional soccer club El Paso Locomotive FC [1].
Fernández is widely recognized for his role as Dani Rojas in the series "Ted Lasso," a show centered on the world of professional soccer. By transitioning from acting to the USL Championship, the second tier of soccer in the U.S., he is bridging the gap between his fictional portrayal of an athlete and a professional sporting career [2].
The 35-year-old actor spent two months on trial with the club before securing the contract [1, 3]. The move to the Texas-based team allows Fernández to pursue a childhood dream of playing the sport at a professional level [1]. He leveraged the visibility and exposure gained from his television role to facilitate this transition into the competitive landscape of American soccer [1, 2].
In an interview with BBC Mundo, Fernández said the achievement was a dream come true [1]. He said that the process involved significant effort, and a commitment to the training required to meet the standards of the USL [2].
"It is a dream come true," Fernández said [1].
He also expressed his enthusiasm for joining the specific organization in Texas. "I am very excited to join El Paso Locomotive," he said [4].
The signing follows a period of speculation regarding his status with the team. While some reports indicated he was close to signing, the club eventually confirmed the official hiring of the Mexican forward [2].
“"It is a dream come true,"”
This transition represents a rare instance of an actor successfully pivoting into professional athletics at a high level. By joining the USL Championship, Fernández is entering a legitimate professional pipeline in the U.S. soccer system, moving beyond a celebrity appearance to a contracted role as a player.
