Cristo Fernandez, who played AFC Richmond striker Dani Rojas in the smash hit telly comedy, has signed a contract with second-teir US club El Paso Locomotive
The actor who plays Dani Rojas in TV comedy Ted Lasso has become a professional footballer in real life.
Cristo Fernandez, 35, has signed a pro contract with US second-tier side El Paso Locomotive. The star played youth football in Mexico before stepping away from the sport at 15 due to a knee injury.
He portrayed long-haired striker Rojas in the Apple+ TV show about a Brit team with an American coach played by actor Jason Sudeikis.
While he was acting Fernandez had been pursuing a return to professional football and trained with the reserves of Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire this year.
Before signing for El Paso, he underwent a two-month trial with the USL Championship club, which included a pre-season appearance.
After signing an undisclosed deal Fernandez told his new club’s website: “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.
“I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.
“This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be.
“Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams so being here with the ‘Locos’ makes perfect sense.”
El Paso, founded in 2018, are fourth in Group B of the USL Championship standings.
Head coach Junior Gonzalez said: “Cristo is a great addition to our roster adding another attacking threat to our forward line.
“His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club.”
Ted Lasso follows the story of an American football coach hired to manage struggling English football team AFC Richmond in west London.