Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez makes professional debut at 35 after injury derailed his playing career

Cristo Fernandez, the actor best known for playing fictional footballer Danny Rojas in Ted Lasso, made his professional playing debut on Saturday night when he came off the bench for El Paso Locomotive in their 2-0 USL Cup defeat to New Mexico United.

The 35-year-old was introduced in the 79th minute and picked up a yellow card during the match. The appearance marked the realisation of an ambition that had been on hold for over a decade.

Before his acting career took off, Fernandez was a promising youth player who competed with Tecos FC in Liga MX. A series of injuries redirected him towards the screen, where he has appeared in all three seasons of Ted Lasso since the show launched in 2020. His character’s catchphrase — “Football is life!” — has become one of the series’ most quoted lines.

His route back to professional football began with a tryout for the Chicago Fire’s reserve squad earlier this year. That led to a second tryout with El Paso Locomotive and, ultimately, a contract with the USL Championship club.

“No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said upon signing. “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC — the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates — for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.”

In a May interview with ESPN, Fernandez reflected on the personal weight behind his character’s famous words. “Football has given me both the best moments, the sad moments,” he said. “I guess that’s why, for me, football is life.”

Off the pitch, Fernandez has continued to build his acting profile. A fourth season of Ted Lasso is due later this year, with Jason Sudeikis returning as the head coach, this time guiding a women’s team at AFC Richmond in London. Fernandez also appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 2024 alongside Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves.