Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCristo Fernandez, known for his role as Danny Rojas in the TV series Ted Lasso, made his professional football debut for El Paso. He was substituted into the USL Cup match against New Mexico United on Saturday night, receiving a yellow card during the team's 2-0 loss. Before his acting career, Fernandez was an accomplished youth player with Tecos FC in Liga MX, but injuries led him to pursue acting. His return to professional football began with a tryout for the Chicago Fire's reserve squad, which led to a contract with El Paso Locomotive FC. Fernandez expressed that playing professional football was a lifelong dream, echoing his character's famous line, 'Football is life!' In fullTed Lasso actor makes his professional soccer debut: ‘Football is life!’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in