TL;DR
- Cristo Fernández signs with El Paso Locomotive FC.
- He trained for two months before the contract.
- Fernández’s character in ‘Ted Lasso’ is Dani Rojas.
- He emphasizes believing in oneself and chasing dreams.
- His journey back to soccer is inspiring.
Cristo Fernández is turning his on-screen soccer dreams into reality. The actor best known for playing the ever-enthusiastic Dani Rojas on the hit Apple TV+ comedy “Ted Lasso” has signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, the club announced Tuesday. Talk about a plot twist!
At 35, Fernández is not just a face on the screen; he’s stepping onto the field after completing what the club described as an “extensive” two-month trial. During this period, the Mexican actor and forward trained regularly with the team and even showcased his skills in a preseason match against New Mexico United. Can we say, “Fútbol is life”?
“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,” Fernández said in a statement released by the club. And honestly, who can blame him? Before he became a breakout star of “Ted Lasso” in 2020, Fernández was busy kicking balls as a youth player for the Mexican club Tecos FC. But an injury at just 15 years old forced him to hang up his cleats and shift his focus to acting. Talk about a dramatic turn!
Now, after years of honing his craft in front of the camera, Fernández is back where he belongs—on the pitch. His character, Dani Rojas, became a fan favorite for his upbeat personality and that unforgettable catchphrase, “Fútbol is life.” It seems that mantra is more than just a line; it’s a way of life for Fernández.
In recent years, he’s been sharing his journey back to soccer on social media, posting videos of himself training with various professional clubs across the country, including teams linked to Major League Soccer organizations. It’s like a real-life sports movie unfolding right before our eyes!
El Paso Locomotive FC head coach Junior Gonzalez is equally thrilled about the addition. “Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line,” Gonzalez said. “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.” Sounds like the perfect match!
For Fernández, this opportunity represents more than just a return to soccer; it’s a testament to resilience. “This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be,” he remarked. And honestly, isn’t that the kind of motivation we all need?
So here’s to Cristo Fernández—an actor who’s not just playing the game but is now living it. Let’s see how he brings that “Ted Lasso” spirit to the field! ⚽️🌈