Cristo Fernandez, the actor celebrated for his portrayal of a professional soccer player on the acclaimed series Ted Lasso, has made his real-world debut on the pitch.Fernandez, known to fans as the recurring character Danny Rojas, stepped onto the field for El Paso in their USL Cup match against New Mexico United on Saturday night. The 35-year-old was subbed into the game in the 79th minute for Locomotive, receiving a yellow card during the team's 2-0 defeat.Before his acting career, Fernandez was an accomplished youth player, competing with Tecos FC in Liga MX. However, injuries ultimately shifted his path towards acting. His return to professional soccer began with a tryout for the Chicago Fire's reserve squad earlier this year, which subsequently led to another tryout with El Paso and a contract.Cristo Fernandez has starred in all three seasons of Ted Lasso (AFP/Getty)His Ted Lasso character's memorable catchphrase, "Football is life!", resonates deeply with Fernandez. He reflected on these words in an ESPN interview in May, stating, "Football has given me both the best moments, the sad moments. I guess that's why, for me, football is life."Upon signing his contract earlier this year, Fernandez explained in detail how delighted he was to have accomplished his lifelong dream."No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart," Fernandez stated.Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 dayNew subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.Try for freeADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 dayNew subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.Try for freeADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent."I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC — the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates — for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one."Fernandez has featured in all three seasons of Ted Lasso since the popular TV show began in 2020.A fourth season is due to be released later this year, with head coach Ted, played by Jason Sudeikis, set to return to London to coach a women’s team at AFC Richmond.Fernandez also featured in a State Farm commercial “Bundle is Life” back in 2024 alongside the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has won the Super Bowl on three occasions.In the same year, Fernandez had a small role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a movie that also starred Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves.