Cristo Fernandez, known for his role as Dani Rojas in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, realized a professional soccer career at age 35 when he made his debut for El Paso Locomotive, a second-tier American club. The Mexican actor came off the bench in the 79th minute during Locomotive’s USL Cup group stage match against New Mexico United on Sunday.
Fernandez had joined the El Paso-based team in May following a two-month trial period. He appeared in the match as a forward and received a yellow card in the 87th minute for committing a foul on opposing goalkeeper Kris Shakes. The contest ended in a 2-0 loss for Locomotive.
The actor previously played youth soccer in his hometown of Guadalajara but stepped away from competitive play at age 15 due to a knee injury. After relocating to London, he was cast in Ted Lasso, the Emmy-winning series centered on an American football coach managing a fictional English Premier League club. Upon signing with Locomotive, Fernandez expressed his perspective on pursuing the opportunity, emphasizing themes of self-belief and perseverance in chasing aspirational goals through unconventional circumstances.
A new season of Ted Lasso is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on 5 August.