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'Ted Lasso' actor Cristo Fernandez makes professional soccer debut

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Actor Cristo Fernandez, known for his role as Danny Rojas in "Ted Lasso," made his professional soccer debut.
  • Fernandez played in a USL Cup match for El Paso, entering the game in the 79th minute and receiving a yellow card.
  • The actor, who was a promising youth player before an injury, aims to revive his soccer career alongside his acting.

Cristo Fernandez, the actor celebrated for portraying a professional soccer player on the hit series "Ted Lasso," has officially stepped onto the real-life pitch. Fernandez made his USL debut for El Paso Locomotive in their USL Cup match against New Mexico United on Saturday night.

He entered the game in the 79th minute, contributing to the match despite his team's 2-0 defeat. During his brief appearance, Fernandez also received a yellow card.

Football is life!

— Cristo FernandezFernandez revisited the catchphrase of his "Ted Lasso" character in an ESPN interview.

Fernandez, 35, has a history with the sport, having been an accomplished youth player who competed with Tecos FC in Mexico's Liga MX. However, his promising career was cut short by injuries, leading him to pursue acting.

Earlier this year, Fernandez tried out for the Chicago Fire's reserve squad, which paved the way for another tryout with El Paso and ultimately led to his contract. He previously spoke to ESPN in May about his connection to the sport, echoing his character's famous catchphrase: "Football is life!" He reflected on how football has provided him with both joy and sorrow, reinforcing its profound significance in his life.

Football has given me both the best moments, the sad moments. I guess that's why, for me, football is life.

— Cristo FernandezFernandez reflected on his personal connection to the sport in an ESPN interview.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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