Hollywood star trades acting career for soccer, inks deal with American team

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Actor Cristo Fernández, best known for his role as Dani Rojas in the hit series Ted Lasso, has signed for US second-tier side El Paso Locomotive FC after completing a trial period with the club.

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The 35-year-old Mexican makes the move to the USL Championship side after an unconventional return to professional football, more than a decade after initially stepping away from the sport due to injury.

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Fernández played youth football in his hometown of Guadalajara before a knee injury forced him to quit the game at the age of 15. He later moved to London, where he pursued acting and eventually gained international recognition through his role in Ted Lasso, which aired from 2020 to 2023.

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Despite building a successful acting career, Fernández has continued to maintain his connection to football. Earlier this year, he also had a trial spell with the reserve team of Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC as part of his efforts to return to competitive football.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, speaking after signing, Fernández said football has always remained a core part of his identity.

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“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,” he said.

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He added that his return to the sport is driven by belief, passion, and the desire to pursue long-held dreams despite an unconventional path.

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“Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the ‘Locos’ actually makes perfect sense,” he said.

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El Paso Locomotive head coach Junior Gonzalez welcomed the signing, describing Fernández as a useful attacking addition to the squad.

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“Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line,” he said.___

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