"Football has always been huge part of my life...": 'Ted Lasso' actor Cristo Fernandez makes professional debut
Los Angeles, July 13
'Ted Lasso' actor Cristo Fernandez has made his professional soccer debut and played his first game against New Mexico United on Saturday.
The Texas team lost 2-0 in the United Soccer League Cup match.
Fernandez, who signed with El Paso Locomotive FC in May this year, took to the field as a substitute for forward Rubio Rubin in the 79th minute of Saturday's home match at Southwest University Park.
Notably, the actor previously played with Tecos FC at the youth level before he had to take a break due to an injury. After a two-month trial, he signed with El Paso in May.
"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 - the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates - for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one," he said in a statement, as quoted by Deadline.
"This journey back to professional futbol 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," he added.
He further continued, "This journey back to professional futbol 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."
With that said, as Cristo Fernandez kicks off his first season with the Locos, it is yet to be seen he will reprise his role as cheerful and passionate striker Dani Rojas in 'Ted Lasso Season 4', which is set to premiere on August 5.
The storyline will remain focused on a women's team, with Fernandez and some of his onscreen teammates likely to make guest appearances.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Manchester United fan from the US, this is brilliant! Cristo Fernandez from Ted Lasso actually playing professional football - it's like art imitating life. The show made me love football even more, and seeing him live the dream is wonderful.
That said, I wonder how long he'll stick with it. 79th minute substitute in a 2-0 loss isn't ideal, but hey, every journey starts with a single step. Best of luck to him!
Arre yaar, this is the kind of story that makes you believe in yourself! Here in India, we're always told to focus on one thing - studies, job, family - but this guy shows you can reinvent yourself at any age. Ted Lasso is massively popular among my friends in Mumbai, and we all love Dani Rojas. "Football is life!" as he says.
Honestly, I wish more Indian actors would try something like this. Imagine if Shah Rukh Khan actually played cricket professionally? Dreams are worth chasing! 🇮🇳⚽
I'm happy for him, but let's be realistic here. He's 31 years old and hasn't played professionally since his youth. USL is not exactly top-tier either. This seems more like a PR stunt for Ted Lasso Season 4 than a serious football career.
To be fair, I respect his determination, but professional sports are unforgiving. In India, we see many retired cricketers try comebacks and fail. It's romantic to believe in dreams, but sometimes reality bites. Just my two cents.
Fantastic story! As someone who grew up playing gully football in Delhi and now coaches kids, this is pure motivation. The line "maybe I'm just a crazy man with crazy dreams" really resonates. We need more people like Cristo who dare to dream.
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