'Fútbol is life!': Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández makes professional footballing debut for El Paso Locomotive

Best known for his role as adorably positive footballer Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV show, the move into professional football over the weekend saw the actor achieve a childhood dream.

In a case of life imitating art, Cristo took on unscripted role for El Paso Locomotive on Saturday, taking to the field for crowds in West Texas.

Subbing on in the 79th minute, the television star managed to avoid the mistake made by his on-screen counterpart, who was seen to hit and kill a dog whilst taking a penalty kick.

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The 35-year-old actor may have achieved his dream, but the final score proved something of a dampener, with the team's West Texas opposition scoring twice in the closing minutes to win 2-0.

Fernández signed with El Paso in May, after the actor undertook a two-month trial with the club.

The trial faced significant delays, however, as a result of his work visa being processed.

The television star kicked off his professional footballing dreams at a young age, taking to the field for youth team Tecos FC in Jalisco, Mexico.

He was then forced to step away from the game at the age of 15 following an injury.

It was only in 2020 that Fernández became a household name as the grinning football star Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso.

A character that became known for the tagline “Fútbol is life", Rojas' endearing nature garnered a loyal allegence of fans online.

At the time of his signing, Fernández ultimately became the oldest player to field for the side - and the fifth-oldest in the USL Championship.