Cristo Fernández made his professional USL debut for El Paso Locomotive FC during a match against New Mexico United on Saturday night.
The appearance marks a transition from screen to pitch for the actor known for playing Dani Rojas on the series "Ted Lasso." His return to professional athletics follows a long hiatus from the sport.
Fernández, 35 [2], entered the game as a substitute in the 79th minute [1]. The match was part of the USL Championship [3], though some reports identified the contest as a USL Cup match [1].
Fernández signed with the El Paso Locomotive FC to resume his competitive soccer career [4]. There are conflicting reports regarding the timing of his signing; one source states he signed for the 2026 season [5], while another indicates he signed earlier in 2024 [6].
The actor's transition reflects the blurring lines between his fictional role as a professional footballer and his real-life athletic pursuits. By joining the USL, Fernández is competing in one of the primary professional soccer tiers in the U.S.
“Fernández entered the game as a substitute in the 79th minute.”
This debut represents a rare instance of a high-profile actor successfully transitioning back into professional sports after a career in entertainment. While the playing time was limited, the move generates significant visibility for the USL Championship and leverages the global popularity of the "Ted Lasso" brand to attract attention to the U.S. soccer pyramid.
