From actor to professional soccer player: the ‘Ted Lasso’ star who wants to swap the cameras for the pitch

‘Ted Lasso’ is one of Apple TV+’s most prestigious and critically acclaimed productions. The series follows the adventures of the eponymous character, played by Jason Sudeikis, as coach of a humble English soccer team: AFC Richmond. It was recently revealed that actor Cristo Fernández, who plays Dani Rojas—one of the team’s stars—wants to swap the lighting of film sets for that of soccer stadiums, as it has transpired that he is rethinking his career while training with a team in the USL Championship, the American second division.

From Apple TV+ to the USL Championship: the incredible turnaround of Cristo Fernández, Dani Rojas in ‘Ted Lasso’

In late February 2026, it was revealed that Cristo Fernández, known for playing the charismatic striker Dani Rojas in the series ‘Ted Lasso’, is trying to turn the fiction that made him world famous into reality. The 35-year-old Mexican-born actor is currently training with El Paso Locomotive FC, a US team competing in the USL Championship, the second division in the US.

But that’s not all: Fernández even played thirty minutes in a preseason friendly against New Mexico United, while the club considers whether to offer him a professional contract. However, this unusual career change—especially at a relatively advanced age in the world of soccer—comes with a catch. It’s not just a whim: Fernández already had experience in soccer before turning to acting.

Related stories

TV

The first look at season 4 of ‘Ted Lasso’ confirms that the protagonist will face his biggest challenge

Apple TV+

Ted Lasso Season 4 shows its first look and gives more details of a return that makes us “Believe”

When he was young, Cristo Fernández played in the youth teams of Mexican club Estudiantes Tecos, but a knee injury cut short his career, leading him to rethink his life and eventually study acting in the United Kingdom. Now, after rising to fame with Ted Lasso, the actor is reportedly trying to revive that childhood dream and try his luck as a professional soccer player, having recently trained with the Chicago Fire II reserve team in the North American MLS Next Pro league.

Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!