Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez makes professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
Actor Cristo Fernandez, known for his role as Dani Rojas in the show Ted Lasso, has made his professional football debut for the El Paso Locomotive. The 35-year-old signed with the USL team after a successful trial period.
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The story bridges the gap between pop culture and professional sports, highlighting an unconventional career transition for an actor.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Cristo Fernandez played Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso over the show's three-series run
"Football is life" for Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez.
The 35-year-old Mexican fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional footballer on Sunday by making his debut for American second-tier side El Paso Locomotive.
Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV show between 2020 and 2023, came on as a 79th-minute substitute in Locomotive's third and final USL Cup group game against rivals New Mexico United.
He signed for Locomotive, who are based in El Paso, Texas, in May after a two-month trial.
Locomotive were beaten 2-0 by New Mexico United and forward Fernandez was shown a yellow card on 87 minutes for a foul on the away side's goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
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