Dani Rojas’ ‘Ted Lasso’ actor makes USL debut for El Paso Locomotive

Two months after joining El Paso Locomotive, Cristo Fernández, who gained fame as Dani Rojas in “Ted Lasso,” has made his professional debut in the USL.

In a match against New Mexico United on Saturday night, Fernández entered the game in the 79th minute, donning the No. 91 jersey. Unfortunately, Locomotive faced a 2-0 defeat, and Fernández received a yellow card during his brief appearance.

Background and Journey

While best known for his role as a celebrated soccer player in “Ted Lasso,” Fernández’s own soccer background is notable. He showcased talent in his youth, previously playing with former Liga MX team Tecos.

However, injuries in his early twenties halted his professional aspirations, leading him to explore a career in acting. After finding success in this field, he decided to return to sports.

The path back to soccer was not straightforward for Fernández. His passion for the game never waned, and last year he began training with a performance coach, physical therapist, and attended a soccer clinic in Mexico. A trial with the reserve side of MLS team Chicago Fire in early 2026 led to another trial with El Paso, culminating in a signed contract.

Looking Ahead

In a statement to ESPN in May, he shared, “Football has given me both the best moments and the sad moments. I guess that’s why, for me, football is life.” With his USL debut behind him, Fernández is excited for what lies ahead in his journey, aiming to fulfill his dreams and make an impact on the field as he eyes future competitions, including aspirations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.