El Paso Locomotive FC announced Tuesday that it has signed forward Cristo Fernández, pending league and federation approval, after a two-month trial that ended with a preseason appearance against New Mexico United. The move gives the USL Championship side another attacker as it builds toward its 2026 roster.
Fernández trained regularly with the squad during the trial and made his case in front of club staff on the field. Head Coach Junior Gonzalez called him a strong addition to the roster who adds another attacking threat to the forward line, and said his passion and leadership help strengthen the club’s culture.
The signing lands at a point when Fernández’s path back to the game has its own pull. He began in the youth ranks of Tecos FC in Mexico, stepped away from soccer at age 15 because of injury, and later moved into acting, where he became widely known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso.
For Fernández, the return is about more than a roster move. He said fútbol has always been a huge part of his life and identity, and that the dream of competing professionally never really left his heart. He added that he is grateful to El Paso for opening the door and giving him a chance to compete from day one.
That is why the signing is notable beyond the celebrity name attached to it. El Paso is not just adding a familiar face; it is betting that a player who spent two months proving himself in training can give the attack depth while the club continues to shape its next roster. Fernández put the rest in his own words: the comeback is about believing in yourself, taking risks and chasing dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be, and being with the ‘Locos’ makes perfect sense.
