Cristo Fernández Signs With El Paso Locomotive FC After Two-Month Trial
cristo fernández has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC after a two-month trial, with the move pending league and federation approval. The signing gives the USL Championship club another attacking option as it keeps shaping its 2026 roster.
El Paso Locomotive FC
The club announced the move on Tuesday after Fernández trained regularly with the squad and appeared in a preseason match against New Mexico United. Head coach Junior Gonzalez called him a fit for the group, saying, "Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line."
Gonzalez also pointed to the wider role Fernández can play around the locker room: "His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as a club."
Cristo Fernández
Fernández arrives with a backstory that is unusual even by professional soccer standards. He began in the youth ranks of Tecos FC in Mexico, stepped away from football at age 15 because of an injury, and later shifted into acting before becoming widely known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso.
That long gap from the game did not erase the pull of the sport. Fernández said, "Fútbol has always been a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart," and added, "I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one."
2026 Roster
The signing is a straightforward roster move, but it comes with a condition: league and federation approval still stands between Fernández and full registration. Until that paperwork clears, El Paso has added a player it clearly wants in the attack while also leaving the move open on the administrative side.
Fernández said his return is about more than getting back on the field. "This journey back to professional fútbol is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be," he said, before closing with, "Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams so being here with the ‘Locos’ actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!"
