The actor who plays striker Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso has now stepped into a similar role in real life. Cristó Fernández made his official professional soccer debut over the weekend with El Paso Locomotive FC, a United Soccer League second-division squad. Coming off the bench in the 79th minute, Fernández entered the match against New Mexico United in front of more than 5,000 spectators at Southwest University Park. Unfortunately for the Locos, the match ended in a 2-0 defeat in the USL Cup competition.

Fernández brings genuine soccer pedigree to his new role, having previously competed at the youth level with Tecos FC before a previous injury interrupted his path. After completing a two-month trial period, he officially signed with El Paso in May. In a statement celebrating the opportunity, Fernández expressed that professional soccer had remained his lifelong ambition despite his successful acting career, emphasising his gratitude to the club and determination to pursue this long-held goal. His participation in Ted Lasso's upcoming fourth season, scheduled to premiere in early August with a new focus on a women's team, remains uncertain at this time.