Mexican ‘Ted Lasso’ actor Cristo Fernández is returning to the pitch, this time as a professional footballer for El Paso Locomotive FC in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship.
Fernández, 35, signed with the Locomotive after a two-month trial, including a pre-season match against New Mexico United, the second-tier club announced on Tuesday, May 12.
He will play as a forward — similar to his position at AFC Richmond, a fictional English Premier League team on the hit television show “Ted Lasso”.
Per club policy, the terms of Fernández’s contract — including his signing fee and the duration of his stay in Texas — will not be disclosed to the public.
The contract is awaiting approval from the USL and the US Soccer Federation.
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Fernández a ‘great addition’ to roster
El Paso Locomotive coach Othoniel “Junior” Gonzalez described Fernández as a “great addition” to the roster and “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,” Gonzalez said in a statement published on the club’s official website.
Gonzalez’s side now sit at fourth place in Group B of the USL Championship’s Western Conference with four wins, two draws, and three losses.
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A dream come true… again
For Fernández, becoming a footballer again is a dream come true — something he has held close to his heart for two decades.
Before pursuing acting, Fernández played youth football at Club Deportivo Estudiantes Tecos in his hometown of Guadalajara.
But he was forced to walk off the pitch after sustaining a knee injury at age 15.
“Fútbol is life!”
“Fútbol 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,” said Fernández, whose “Ted Lasso” character Dani Rojas popularised the catchphrase “Fútbol is life!”
He added: “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC — the club, coaches, staff, and especially my team-mates — for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.”
“This journey back to professional fútbol 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’ actually makes perfect sense.”
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Levi Mora 
Newsjustnews writers 
Elan Castanares