Actor switches to football, signs for US club

Actor Cristo Fernández, widely recognized for his portrayal of Dani Rojas in the acclaimed series Ted Lasso, has officially joined the US second-tier team El Paso Locomotive FC following the completion of a trial period with the club.

The 35-year-old Mexican player transitions to the USL Championship team after an unusual return to professional football, more than ten years after he first departed from the sport due to an injury.

Fernández began his football journey in his hometown of Guadalajara, but a knee injury compelled him to leave the game at the age of 15. He subsequently relocated to London, where he pursued a career in acting and ultimately achieved international fame through his role in Ted Lasso, which aired from 2020 to 2023.

Despite establishing a successful acting career, Fernández has remained connected to football. Earlier this year, he also undertook a trial with the reserve team of Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC as part of his efforts to return to competitive play.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, after signing, Fernández expressed that football has always been an integral aspect of his identity.

"Football has always been a significant part of my life and identity, and regardless of where life has led me, the aspiration of competing professionally has never truly departed from my heart," he stated.

He further mentioned that his return to the sport is fueled by belief, passion, and the ambition to chase long-held dreams despite an unconventional journey.

"Perhaps I’m just a man with extraordinary dreams… so being here with the ‘Locos’ feels entirely appropriate," he remarked.

El Paso Locomotive head coach Junior Gonzalez expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, characterizing Fernández as a valuable attacking asset to the team.

"Cristo is a fantastic addition to our roster, providing another attacking option to our forward line," he commented.