Ted Lasso Actor Cristo Fernández Makes Professional Soccer Debut with El Paso Locomotive
Fútbol became real life for actor Cristo Fernández on Saturday night. The “Ted Lasso” star transitioned from his fictional role at AFC Richmond to the professional pitch for El Paso Locomotive FC in the United Soccer League.
Fernández entered the match as a substitute for Rubio Rubín in the 79th minute of the Locomotive’s 2-0 defeat against New Mexico United.
The teams remained in a scoreless tie until the 85th minute, when Joseph Quiah scored in the left corner for New Mexico. Zico Bailey added a second goal four minutes later following a cross from teammate Jake LaCava. A crowd of 5,011 attended the match.
Locomotive FC announced on Wednesday that they added Fernández to the 18-man matchday roster for the home game at Southwest University Park.
“Yes, it’s really him,” the club noted, included in Fernández’s bio on the official team website.
This performance marked the second time Fernández has faced New Mexico. He previously played 30 minutes during a preseason friendly between the two clubs on Feb. 28.
The 35-year-old actor signed with the Locomotive in May after completing a two-month trial. His commitment to professional soccer extends beyond this team, as he also trained with the second team of the MLS’ Chicago Fire FC in March and scored twice in a scrimmage.
“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 following the signing announcement.
Before achieving fame as the character Dani Rojas, Fernández pursued a career in sports. He played for Mexico’s Tecos Fútbol Club as a teenager until a knee injury ended his initial professional aspirations.
Locomotive FC holds a 5-5-4 record and currently sits in seventh place in the USL’s Western Conference standings. The team travels to face Tulsa FC at ONEOK Field next Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET.