‘Ted Lasso’s Cristo Fernández Officially Signs with This Fútbol Club
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Cristo Fernández attends the Apple original series 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 red carpet premiere event at Westwood Village Theater on March 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)
Fútbol is indeed life for Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández. Just as the Apple TV+ show prepares to return for a fourth season, now focused on the Richmond AFC Women’s team, Fernández, who played Dani Rojas in the first three seasons, is returning to professional fútbol.
El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed forward Fernández, pending league and federation approval. The team made its debut in the USL Championship in 2019. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line,” said Locomotive Head Coach Junior Gonzalez. “His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club.”
The signing comes after Fernández’s two-month trial with the team, which saw him regularly attend training and appear in a preseason match against New Mexico United. The forward began his career as a youth, but had to step away from the field at 15 due to injury. He later went on to acting, where he gained notoriety for his role in Ted Lasso.
“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,” said Fernández. “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.”
He added, “This journey back to professional fútbol soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be. Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas (let’s keep giving it our all). Siempre agradecido con Dios, mi familia y amistades por creer en mí. Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the “Locos” actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!”
To learn more about El Paso Locomotive FC visit their official website here.