Cristo Fernandez attends Elton John AIDS Foundation's 34th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 15, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. (Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
Cristo Fernández is turning his on-screen soccer dreams into reality.
The actor best known for playing Dani Rojas on the hit Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso has signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, the club announced Tuesday.
Fernández, 35, joined the USL Championship side after completing what the club described as an "extensive" two-month trial.
During that stretch, the Mexican actor and forward trained regularly with the team and appeared in a preseason match against New Mexico United.
"Fútbol 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," Fernández said in a statement released by the club.
Long before his acting career took off, Fernández played youth soccer for Mexican club Tecos FC. However, an injury forced him to step away from the sport when he was 15 years old.
He later shifted his focus to acting and became one of the breakout stars of Ted Lasso in 2020.
His character, Dani Rojas, became a fan favorite for his upbeat personality and memorable catchphrase, "Fútbol is life."
In recent years, Fernández has shared his journey back to soccer on social media, posting videos of himself training with professional clubs across the country, including teams connected to Major League Soccer organizations.
El Paso Locomotive FC head coach Junior Gonzalez said Fernández will bring both talent and leadership to the squad.
"Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line," Gonzalez said. "His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club."
Fernández said the opportunity represents more than just a return to soccer.
"This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be," he said.
Jackson Olson plays the fans as the Savannah Bananas take on the Party Animals at Campanelli Stadium on August 16, 2023 in Brockton, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
Savannah Bananas second baseman and social media personality Jackson Olson is trading the baseball field for the dance floor.
Olson has officially joined Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars as a celebrity contestant, ABC announced during Disney's Upfront presentation on Tuesday.
The internet creator and baseball star is the latest celebrity revealed for the upcoming season, joining previously announced contestants Maura Higgins of The Traitors and Love Island and Ciara Miller of Summer House.
The full celebrity cast and professional dancer lineup will be announced Sept. 2 exclusively on Good Morning America.
Olson has gained a massive following online through his mix of baseball content, personal storytelling and behind-the-scenes moments from life with the Savannah Bananas, the viral exhibition baseball team known for its entertaining spin on the sport.
Along with sharing baseball insights and highlights from his career as a second baseman, Olson's content often focuses on relationships, family, food and everyday life experiences.
The Savannah Bananas have become a social media sensation in recent years for their fast-paced and comedic style of baseball, often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, with Olson emerging as one of the team's most recognizable personalities.
Dancing with the Stars is coming off a milestone Season 34, which marked the show's best finale performance in a decade, according to ABC.
The show will air live this fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
‘Ted Lasso’ star Cristo Fernández signs pro soccer contract
Posted/updated on:
May 13, 2026 at
6:20 am
Cristo Fernandez attends Elton John AIDS Foundation's 34th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 15, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. (Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
Cristo Fernández is turning his on-screen soccer dreams into reality.
The actor best known for playing Dani Rojas on the hit Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso has signed a professional soccer contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, the club announced Tuesday.
Fernández, 35, joined the USL Championship side after completing what the club described as an "extensive" two-month trial.
During that stretch, the Mexican actor and forward trained regularly with the team and appeared in a preseason match against New Mexico United.
"Fútbol 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," Fernández said in a statement released by the club.
Long before his acting career took off, Fernández played youth soccer for Mexican club Tecos FC. However, an injury forced him to step away from the sport when he was 15 years old.
He later shifted his focus to acting and became one of the breakout stars of Ted Lasso in 2020.
His character, Dani Rojas, became a fan favorite for his upbeat personality and memorable catchphrase, "Fútbol is life."
In recent years, Fernández has shared his journey back to soccer on social media, posting videos of himself training with professional clubs across the country, including teams connected to Major League Soccer organizations.
El Paso Locomotive FC head coach Junior Gonzalez said Fernández will bring both talent and leadership to the squad.
"Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line," Gonzalez said. "His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club."
Fernández said the opportunity represents more than just a return to soccer.
"This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be," he said.
Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson joins ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 35
Posted/updated on:
May 12, 2026 at
5:05 pm
Jackson Olson plays the fans as the Savannah Bananas take on the Party Animals at Campanelli Stadium on August 16, 2023 in Brockton, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
Savannah Bananas second baseman and social media personality Jackson Olson is trading the baseball field for the dance floor.
Olson has officially joined Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars as a celebrity contestant, ABC announced during Disney's Upfront presentation on Tuesday.
The internet creator and baseball star is the latest celebrity revealed for the upcoming season, joining previously announced contestants Maura Higgins of The Traitors and Love Island and Ciara Miller of Summer House.
The full celebrity cast and professional dancer lineup will be announced Sept. 2 exclusively on Good Morning America.
Olson has gained a massive following online through his mix of baseball content, personal storytelling and behind-the-scenes moments from life with the Savannah Bananas, the viral exhibition baseball team known for its entertaining spin on the sport.
Along with sharing baseball insights and highlights from his career as a second baseman, Olson's content often focuses on relationships, family, food and everyday life experiences.
The Savannah Bananas have become a social media sensation in recent years for their fast-paced and comedic style of baseball, often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, with Olson emerging as one of the team's most recognizable personalities.
Dancing with the Stars is coming off a milestone Season 34, which marked the show's best finale performance in a decade, according to ABC.
The show will air live this fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
