Cristo Fernandez, known for his role as the enthusiastic soccer player Dani Rojas on the Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso,” has made an unexpected return to professional soccer. At 35, Fernandez recently debuted for El Paso Locomotive FC, a team competing in the USL Championship, the second tier of men’s professional soccer in the United States.

Fernandez’s return to the sport marks a full-circle moment in his life. As a teenager, he played professionally in Guadalajara, Mexico, before a knee injury ended his initial soccer career. He subsequently pursued acting, eventually landing the role on “Ted Lasso,” where his portrayals over three seasons required him to convincingly embody a professional athlete. This experience reignited his passion for the game, prompting him to resume competitive play.

After completing a trial with MLS side Chicago Fire FC II earlier this year, Fernandez secured a place with El Paso Locomotive FC. Speaking ahead of his debut, he described the emotional and physical challenges of returning to professional play after years away, emphasizing the perseverance required to overcome setbacks, both in sports and acting.

Fernandez credited his late father as a significant source of inspiration in his comeback, recalling conversations in which his father expressed concern about the physical toll but ultimately encouraged his pursuit. “I told him about this crazy dream of coming back... and he said, ‘OK, I believe in you,’” Fernandez said.

Despite his celebrity status from television, Fernandez stressed that he is treated as just another player by his El Paso teammates. He recounted a recent practice incident where a teammate accidentally elbowed him, with the group joking about whether he was acting, highlighting the camaraderie and respect within the team.

The character of Dani Rojas, known for his infectious enthusiasm on “Ted Lasso,” closely mirrors Fernandez’s own personality. He explained that the role was tailored to him following a successful audition and that he did not need to make significant changes to portray the character’s joyful energy.

Fernandez maintains an ongoing connection with his former castmates through a group chat dubbed the “Ted Lasso Gang,” who offered their support and congratulations on his return to professional soccer. He described the series as an important influence on his outlook, extending beyond his career to personal growth in mental health and confidence.

Looking ahead, Fernandez expressed both excitement and uncertainty about scoring his first professional goal since returning. He joked that if he does, his celebration might mimic Dani Rojas’s iconic running-in-circles move, blending his life as an actor with his renewed role as a player.

Fernandez’s journey highlights the intersection of sports and the arts, underscoring a narrative of resilience and rediscovery that resonates both on and off the field.