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Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández signs with USL Championship team El Paso Locomotive FC

other · 2026-05-27

Mexican actor Cristo Fernández, 35, known for playing Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso, has signed a professional contract with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC. Fernández told the BBC it is a 'dream come true' to play professionally, and revealed that his character's catchphrase 'football is life' was his own invention. The move transitions him from fictional football to real-life competition in the second-highest league in the United States.

Key facts

  • Cristo Fernández is 35 years old
  • He played Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso
  • He signed with El Paso Locomotive FC
  • The team plays in the USL Championship, the second-highest US league
  • Fernández said playing pro football is a 'dream come true'
  • The catchphrase 'football is life' was his own invention

Entities

Artists

  • Cristo Fernández

Institutions

  • El Paso Locomotive FC
  • USL Championship
  • BBC

Locations

  • El Paso
  • United States

Sources