Ted Lasso Actor Cristo Fernandez Signs with El Paso Locomotive FC

El Paso, Texas Cristo Fernandez, the 35-year-old actor best known for portraying forward Dani Rojas on the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, signed a professional contract with USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive FC on Tuesday, pending league and federation approval.

The club announced the signing on its website after Fernandez completed a two-month trial that included regular training with the squad and a preseason appearance against New Mexico United. Fernandez joins as a forward, bolstering the team's attacking options. Contract terms were not disclosed.

A native of Mexico, Fernandez played in the youth system of Tecos FC in Jalisco before a knee injury ended his soccer pursuits at age 15. He later pursued acting and gained widespread recognition for his role as the enthusiastic Rojas, whose catchphrase "Fútbol is life" became a series highlight. Earlier this year, Fernandez trained with the reserves of Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire as he worked toward a professional return.

"Football 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," Fernandez said in a statement on...