‘Ted Lasso’ actor makes professional soccer debut
Oct 25, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Cristo Fernandez, of Ted Lasso, on the sidelines prior to a match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Cristo Fernandez, an actor best known for playing a professional soccer player on "Ted Lasso," officially took his first stab at the real thing this weekend.
Fernandez, who appeared as recurring character Danny Rojas on the hit streaming series, made his USL debut for El Paso in its USL Cup match against New Mexico United on Saturday night. He subbed into the game in the 79th minute for Locomotive, picking up a yellow card during a 2-0 defeat.
The 35-year-old was an accomplished youth player, competing with Tecos FC in Liga MX, before injuries derailed his career and led him to acting.
He first tried out for the Chicago Fire's reserve squad earlier this year, which led to another tryout with El Paso and an eventual contract.
"Football is life!" was the catchphrase of his "Ted Lasso" character, and he revisited his most famous words in an ESPN interview in May.
"Football has given me both the best moments, the sad moments," he said. "I guess that's why, for me, football is life."
--Field Level Media
- MLB Picks Today: Jack Flaherty, Aaron Nola Strikeout Props for Phillies vs. Tigers
- France vs. Morocco Best Bets: Top Picks for World Cup Quarterfinal Clash
- Big 12 Sleeper Picks: Three Teams That Could Win the Conference in 2026
- Scottish Open Predictions: Top Bets, Longshots and First-Round Picks
- MLB Picks for Today: Why the Marlins and Yankees Offer Betting Value
- WNBA Best Bets Today: Wings vs. Liberty, Sky vs. Mercury Picks for Tuesday
- MLB Best Bets for Monday: Giants Value and Rangers-Angels Under
