From the pitch to the screen and back again—Cristo Fernández, best known as the ever-optimistic Dani Rojas on Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso, has officially signed with El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship. The move, announced Tuesday, turns a two-month trial into a real-life soccer contract for the 35-year-old actor.

Locomotive head coach Junior Gonzalez couldn't hide his excitement. "Cristo is a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line," he said. "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."

Fernández's journey to this moment is anything but ordinary. A serious knee injury as a young player derailed his dreams of a pro career with Mexico's Tecos Fútbol Club, sending him down a path toward acting. But the love for the game never faded. "My grandma and my mom used to say, 'Cristóbal only speaks, breathes, talks, dreams, everything fútbol'—soccer was literally my life," he told NBC News in 2021.

Now, that childhood passion is getting a second act. Fernández had been on trial with El Paso since March, even appearing in a preseason match. He also spent time with the Chicago Fire's second team over the winter, proving his dedication to making this comeback count.

El Paso Locomotive currently sits in fourth place in the USL Championship's Western Conference with a 4-3-2 record. Their next home match is May 27 against AV Alta FC—and fans will be watching to see if "football is life" becomes more than just a catchphrase.

As for Ted Lasso, Season 4 premieres in August, though there's no word yet on whether Dani Rojas will return to the show. Either way, Fernández is already living out his own inspiring sports story—one that proves it's never too late to chase the game you love.