From Dani Rojas to the pitch: 'Ted Lasso' star plays first real USL match

Cristo Fernández, the actor who played the irrepressible forward Dani Rojas on 'Ted Lasso,' made his professional soccer debut on Saturday night, stepping onto the field for El Paso Locomotive FC in a USL Cup match. Multiple outlets confirmed his appearance, marking a rare crossover from fictional footballer to actual player.

Fernández entered the match as a substitute in the 79th minute against New Mexico United, according to ESPN. Like his television counterpart, he plays as a forward. Bleacher Report highlighted that the moment was captured in a trending video of his debut.

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Bleacher ReportWatch 'Ted Lasso' Star Cristo Fernandez Make Professional Debut in USL Cup New Trending VideoESPN'Ted Lasso' actor Cristo Fernández makes USL debut.

"officially took his first stab at the real thing"

KELO-AM‘Ted Lasso’ actor makes professional soccer debut

The actor's leap from screen to field was widely covered, with several outlets including nj, masslive, and oregonlive running identical reports that he "made his debut with El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday." The move blurs the line between art and life for fans of the hit Apple TV+ series.

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oregonliveStar of ‘Ted Lasso’ makes professional U.S. soccer debutmassliveStar of ‘Ted Lasso’ makes professional U.S. soccer debutnjStar of ‘Ted Lasso’ makes professional U.S. soccer debut

While his character Rojas was known for his infectious positivity and love of football, Fernández's real-world stint lasted only a few minutes. Nevertheless, the debut added a surreal chapter for Locomotive FC supporters and 'Ted Lasso' fans alike, underscoring how the show’s influence has reached beyond entertainment into actual sports.