In a signing that blurs the line between Hollywood and the pitch, Cristo Fernández — best known to millions of fans as the lovable Dani Rojas in Apple TV+'s hit series Ted Lasso — has officially signed with El Paso Locomotive FC. The news quickly made waves across American soccer circles and entertainment media alike, putting the Sun City club in a spotlight that stretches far beyond the USL Championship.
For El Paso soccer fans, this is nothing short of a landmark moment. Locomotive FC has steadily built a reputation as one of the most exciting clubs in the USL Championship, and landing a figure with Fernández's unique crossover appeal is a massive coup — both on and off the field. Few signings in recent USL memory have generated this kind of national buzz.
What makes this story particularly compelling is that Fernández isn't just a celebrity dabbling in soccer for publicity. The Mexican actor is a genuine footballer who played the sport seriously before transitioning to acting. His portrayal of Dani Rojas — a technically gifted, endlessly enthusiastic Mexican winger who shouts "Football is life!" with infectious joy — resonated with soccer fans worldwide precisely because it felt authentic. That's because it largely was.
Ted Lasso became a cultural phenomenon during its run, arguably doing more to grow soccer's mainstream appeal in the United States than almost any single piece of media in recent memory. It introduced millions of casual American viewers to the rhythms, emotions, and culture of the beautiful game. Fernández was a central part of that magic.
Now, he brings that same energy to the desert. El Paso Locomotive FC plays at Southwest University Park, a stadium known for its passionate, family-friendly atmosphere that already captures the spirit of community soccer at its finest. Adding Fernández to the roster feels like a natural fit — a real-life Dani Rojas suiting up for a club that prides itself on heart and hustle.
For US soccer fans, this signing is a reminder of how far the sport has come in America. The fact that a globally recognized face from one of television's most beloved soccer shows is choosing to play in the USL Championship — and specifically in El Paso — speaks to the growing legitimacy and appeal of the American soccer pyramid beyond MLS.
- Cristo Fernández is best known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso
- He is a genuine soccer player in addition to being an accomplished actor
- El Paso Locomotive FC competes in the USL Championship
- The signing has drawn national and international media attention to the club
Whether Fernández becomes a key contributor on the field or serves as a broader ambassador for the club and the sport, one thing is certain: football is life — and right now, that life is very much happening in El Paso.