Life is imitating art for Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández, who has signed a contract with a professional soccer club.
Fernández, 35, who began his soccer career at 15, has signed a deal with the USL Championship team El Paso Locomotive following a two-month trial. The Texas-based team plays in the second-tier of American soccer, one league below MLS. Fernández previously had a trial with the MLS club Chicago Fire earlier this year.
“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,” Fernández said in a statement. “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.”
Fernández got his big acting break after he moved to London when an injury affected his soccer career. He was later cast in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, the comedy-drama starring Jason Sudeikis as an American college football coach hired to coach an English soccer team despite having no experience.
In the hit series, Fernández plays Dani Rojas, an enthusiastic young striker from Mexico, famed for declaring “Football is life!” He appeared in a recurring role in the first two seasons before being promoted to the main cast for Season 3. It hasn’t yet been confirmed whether Fernández will return for the upcoming fourth season.
“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,” Fernández continued in his statement.
He added, “Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas – let’s keep giving it our all. Siempre agradecido con Dios, mi familia y amistades por creer en mí. Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the Locos actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!”
Ted Lasso Season 4 will officially premiere on Wednesday, August 5, with ten all-new episodes dropping once a week through October 7, when the finale will begin streaming on Apple TV. The new season will center on Ted coaching a second division women’s soccer team.
Ted Lasso, Season 4, Premiere, Wednesday, August 5, Apple TV
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