Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez has joined US second-tier side El Paso Locomotive after impressing on trial.
The 35-year-old, who played AFC Richmond striker Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV comedy series, has spent the last two months with the USL Championship side and earned himself a professional contract.
After signing an undisclosed deal, Mexican Fernandez, who saw a promising football career curtailed by a knee injury at 15, told his new club’s website: “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.
The rumors were true. Welcome to El Paso, Cristo Fernández. 🚂
— El Paso Locomotive FC (@eplocomotivefc) May 12, 2026
El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed forward Cristo Fernández. Learn more🗞️: https://t.co/810iopg2NN #VamosLocos #VamosElPaso pic.twitter.com/Tfbjjpmfzm
“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 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.”
El Paso Locomotive currently sit fourth in the USL Championship having lost three of their last four matches following an unbeaten start, and Fernandez will hope to be in contention for their next match against AV Alta on May 27.
