Cristo Fernández has officially turned fiction into reality.
The actor best known for portraying the endlessly optimistic Dani Rojas on the Apple TV+ hit “Ted Lasso” made his professional debut Saturday for USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive FC, appearing as a late substitute in a 2-0 USL Cup loss to New Mexico United.
Fernández, 35, entered the match in the 79th minute, marking the realization of a lifelong dream that predated his acting career.
For millions of television viewers, Fernández is synonymous with Rojas, the energetic Mexican striker whose trademark phrase, “Football is life!” became one of the most recognizable catchphrases from “Ted Lasso.”
The character joined AFC Richmond during the show’s first season and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his infectious enthusiasm and goal-scoring ability.
Fernández appeared throughout all three seasons of the Emmy Award-winning comedy and is expected to reprise the role in the upcoming fourth season.
Long before becoming an actor, however, Fernández envisioned a career on the pitch.
“It’s a dream come true, it’s hard to put into words,” he told ESPN at the time. “It has been lots of hard work.”
Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, he played in the youth system of Tecos FC before suffering a serious knee injury as a teenager that ended his hopes of becoming a professional footballer.
He eventually pivoted to acting, studying in both Mexico and England before landing the career-changing role on “Ted Lasso.”
His passion for soccer never wavered, though.
“At the end of the day, I can tell you anything, but the only thing that’s going to prove anything will be me on the pitch and the performance and what I bring on the field,” he said to ESPN upon signing at the USL level. “I also understand who I am, and that a big part of why I’m here can also be related to my work in other fields … [but] this is real life.”
Earlier this year, Fernández began training with Chicago Fire II before earning a deal with El Paso Locomotive.
