Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has made his professional football debut for American second-tier side El Paso Locomotive, marking a remarkable return to the sport he left behind as a teenager.

Fernandez played youth football in his home city of Guadalajara but stepped away at the age of 15 due to a knee injury. After moving to London, he landed the role of Dani Rojas in the award-winning Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, which follows an American coach managing fictional Premier League club AFC Richmond.

Upon signing for Locomotive, Fernandez said: "This journey back to professional soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be." The club competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer.

A fourth series of Ted Lasso is set to premiere on Apple TV on 5 August, meaning Fernandez will balance filming commitments with his new playing career.