One of the main stars of the brilliant Apple TV+ sports comedy-drama series “Ted Lasso” has transcended his role as a fictional soccer player to pursue a real-life career in the sport.
Cristo Fernandez plays the iconic and lovable Mexican forward Dani Rojas in the popular show. He’s been spotted at a professional club, prompting soccer fans to question if the line between fiction and reality is crumbling.
Fernandez was snapped by a supporter on the sidelines as El Paso Locomotive took part in their final pre-season match. Said supporter, known as Jack Torrance on X, posted the picture on the popular social media platform on February 28.
It’s widely believed that Fernandez, 35, is looking to earn a genuine living in the sport known as “the beautiful game.” Further evidence appears to be mounting.
Cristo Fernandez Is ‘Likely Signing’ With El Paso Locomotive
GettyThe El Paso Locomotive supporters podcast responded to the X post with a post of their own. The March 1 response said, “We were expecting the club to say something first but we have it on good authority that he is likely signing with the club in a playing capacity.”
One excited fan replied, “that is Danny Rojas!!!”
Texan outfit El Paso Locomotive play their soccer in the USL Championship. The USL Championship is the second tier of the United States league system. El Paso made its debut in the competition back in 2019. Last season, they finished 12th in the Western Conference play-offs.
The team’s current players include Mexican international defender Arturo Ortiz, Haitian international midfielder Carl Sainte, and Guatemalan international forward Rubio Rubin. Cristo Fernandez will have his work cut out getting into the first team.
El Paso Locomotive are yet to officially announce the signing of Fernandez. However, it’s expected to be formally confirmed sooner rather than later.
Fernandez Has Been on Trial With Multiple US Clubs
According to a post on the YSC (Youth Soccer Central) Instagram account, El Paso Locomotive isn’t the only United States soccer club with which Cristo Fernandez has tried his luck.
The caption on the March 2 post reads, “This is unreal… the man who plays Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, Cristo Fernandez, has been on trial with multiple U.S based clubs including teams in the USL championship and Chicago Fire II. He scored for Chicago Fire II in a friendly a few weeks ago as well 👀.”
Per IMDb, Fernandez’s acting career includes roles in several other television shows and some movies. On the small screen, his credits include “Phineas and Ferb” and “Hey A.J.!.” On the big screen, his credits are even more impressive. They include 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” 2023’s “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” and 2024’s “Venom: The Last Dance” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.”
We can’t wait to see how Dani Rojas himself, Cristo Fernandez, copes in the real world of soccer. Here’s hoping it isn’t too long until he gets his chance to show us.
