Actor Cristo Fernández made his professional soccer debut for El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, July 12, 2026, in a 2-0 USL Cup loss against New Mexico United. The 35-year-old, known for his role as Dani Rojas in the series Ted Lasso, entered as a 79th-minute substitute at Southwest University Park.
Professional Debut at Southwest University Park
For more than 5,000 fans in attendance, the match against New Mexico United offered a rare intersection of pop culture and professional sports. Cristo Fernández, who gained international recognition portraying the optimistic striker Dani Rojas on the Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso, saw his first minutes of competitive USL action after signing with the club in May.
Photo: Deadline
Fernández entered the match in the 79th minute, replacing forward Rubio Rubín with the score tied at 0-0. New Mexico United broke the deadlock in the 85th minute through Joseph Quiah, followed by a second goal from Zico Bailey in the 89th minute to finalize a 2-0 victory for the visitors.
From Youth Prospect to Professional Contract
Fernández’s journey to the professional pitch has been years in the making. Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, he was a promising youth player in the Tecos Fútbol Club system before a knee injury at age 15 forced him to step away from the sport. He eventually turned his focus toward acting, a path that led him to the role of Dani Rojas in 2020.
Cristo Fernández to make debut with El Paso Locomotive FC
Despite his success on screen, Fernández maintained a rigorous training regimen to pursue his original athletic ambitions. Before signing with El Paso Locomotive, he completed a two-month trial with the team and also trained with the reserve squad for the MLS club. His commitment to the sport was further evidenced by his performance during a preseason friendly against New Mexico United on February 28, where he played 30 minutes.
The Reality of the Pitch vs. The Script
“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.”
Photo: The New York Times
Cristo Fernández
During his brief appearance on Saturday, the 35-year-old recorded three touches and received a yellow card in the 87th minute after a collision with the opposing goalkeeper. While the debut was statistically modest, it marked the fulfillment of a long-term goal for the actor, who is currently the oldest player on the El Paso roster.
Looking Ahead: USL Season and Screen Appearances
As El Paso Locomotive moves past the USL Cup group stage, the team remains focused on their league standing. Currently sitting seventh in the Western Conference, the club is set to travel to Oklahoma to face FC Tulsa on July 18. Fans will also have an opportunity to see Fernández in San Antonio on August 15, when El Paso takes on San Antonio FC.
The intersection of his two careers continues into the autumn, as a fourth season of Ted Lasso is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ on August 5. While the show’s narrative is shifting to focus on a women’s team, reports indicate that Fernández is expected to reprise his role as Dani Rojas. For now, however, his focus remains on the USL Championship season.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
