🔥 Trending Cristo Fernández: From Ted Lasso to Professional Soccer

Cristo Fernández is a Mexican actor and filmmaker, widely recognized for his role as Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. Born Cristóbal Fernández on January 27, 1991, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, he has a background in professional soccer before transitioning to acting ²⁴.

Early Life and Soccer Career

Before his acting career took off, Fernández pursued a professional soccer career. He played as a goalkeeper in the Mexican league system, including with teams like Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) and Estudiantes Tecos ²⁵. However, physical injuries led him to explore other passions and ultimately shift his focus to acting ².

Acting Career Highlights

Fernández gained significant international recognition for his portrayal of the enthusiastic and optimistic Mexican soccer player Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, which premiered in 2020. His character's catchphrase, "Football is life!", became iconic ⁴⁸.

Beyond Ted Lasso, his notable acting credits include:

• Film:
• Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) ³
• Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), where he voiced the character Wheeljack ³
• The Casagrandes Movie (2024), released on Netflix ¹
• In Flight (2024), an indie thriller acquired by Gravitas Ventures ¹
• Television:
• Ted Lasso (2020-2023) ³

Return to Professional Soccer

In a unique turn of events that blurs the line between his on-screen persona and real life, Fernández recently signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a USL Championship side, in 2026 ⁵⁶. This move allowed him to fulfill his long-held dream of playing professional soccer in the United States, making his professional debut in July 2026 ⁷. This signing garnered significant media attention due to his fame from Ted Lasso, where he played a beloved soccer star ⁶⁸.

Fernández is also a filmmaker, having studied at the Guildford School of Acting in the UK ². His journey from professional athlete to acclaimed actor and back to the professional pitch highlights his diverse talents and dedication to both sports and the arts.