Actor Cristo Fernandez has recently returned to professional soccer, a journey he says was sparked by his role in the television series "Ted Lasso." Fernandez, who portrayed Dani Rojas on the show, said his initial attempts to distance himself from the sport stemmed from painful memories of unmet personal goals in soccer. However, immersing himself in the role required training and reflection, eventually reigniting his passion for the game.
Fernandez described how being part of the "Ted Lasso" production over multiple seasons, combined with encounters with soccer legends like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Mexican icons Jorge Campos, Luis Hernández, and Andrés Guardado, motivated his return to the field. "It started to bring this passion on me," he explained, noting that rejection fueled his determination to succeed, stating, “Every single time someone tells me no, I just want to show you yes.”
The actor emphasized that his return to soccer is not about performing for applause but embracing the challenge of rigorous physical effort on the pitch. He drew parallels between acting and playing soccer, highlighting the invisible struggles behind public success. Fernandez shared that the process has been a private, multi-year endeavor, marked by perseverance and growth.
A significant influence in his decision was the encouragement of his late father, whose passing in December deeply affected him. Fernandez recounted a candid conversation with his father about the risks of returning to soccer after injuries but said that his father ultimately expressed belief in his ability and desire to see him play again.
Fernandez, currently training with El Paso Locomotive FC, described his teammates as supportive and treated him like any other player despite his celebrity status. He recounted a recent training incident where a teammate accidentally elbowed him, leading to lighthearted skepticism about his reaction, underscoring the camaraderie within the team.
Reflecting on his character Dani Rojas, Fernandez noted that the role was originally written as an Icelandic player named Gunnar. After his audition, the creators rewrote the character based on him. He acknowledged similarities between himself and Rojas, attributing the character’s vibrant energy to their shared traits.
Fernandez maintains close contact with the "Ted Lasso" cast through a group chat, where his decision to pursue professional soccer was met with enthusiastic support. He credited the show not only for launching his acting career but also for instilling values of mental health and belief, remarking that the experience allowed him to reconnect with his playful side and embrace new dreams.
Looking ahead, Fernandez admitted uncertainty about how he might celebrate a potential first goal, suggesting he might mimic Dani Rojas’s trademark celebration by running in circles, blending the boundaries between fiction and reality.