Ted Lasso has been an iconic show for football and tv show fans alike. It provides a fantasy-filled glimpse into how clubs operate, the relationships between managers and their players, and the reality behind the glamour of football itself.
Fans have celebrated the show, giving it a positive rating throughout the years and enjoying it to the fullest.
However, fantasy turned real when one of the actors from the show actually went pro in football and made his debut recently.
Cristo Fernandez, who is a Mexican actor on the show, portraying Dani Rojas, signed a contract in May 2026 with El Paso Locomotive FC, fulfilling the long dream of his playing as a professional footballer after it was cut short in the past due to unfortunate injuries.
In the TV show, Dani is portrayed to have a very golden retriever energy to his character, being full of vigour and making sure everyone around him is motivated to the core. He struggled with confidence after a tragic on-field incident involving the team mascot, which required psychological support to overcome.
On July 11, Cristo made his debut for El Paso in a USL Cup match against New Mexico United.
He previously played youth football for Tecos FC before a serious knee injury at age 15 derailed his early athletic career. His return to professional soccer mirrors his on-screen character’s journey, and he is currently the oldest player on El Paso Locomotive’s roster.
Fans were very happy to see their favourite on screen star successfully achieving his dream of playing professional football and their reactions could not be more wholesome.
( a scene depicting cristo himself in Ted Lasso saying ‘Football is life” )
Though the game did not go completely in his favour as his team lost 2-0 and Cristo immediately picked up a yellow card after committing a foul on the opponent goalkeeper, fans could not be more prouder of Cristo who slowly but surely achieved his dream of playing professional football.
