Football is life. 

It’s more than just a line from Dani Rojas but something of a reality for Cristo Fernández, who brings Rojas to life on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso.” 

Fernández found his real-world AFC Richmond in the USL Championship’s El Paso Locomotive FC, which signed him last month. 

Before he was a Ted Lasso star, Fernández played youth soccer with Tecos FC in Mexico. At age 15, he suffered an injury that sidelined him. He then pursued an acting career, but his passion for soccer never waned.

“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,” Fernández said in a release. “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.”

That opportunity became reality for the actor turned pro soccer forward earlier this year.  

Fernández made an appearance for El Paso during a two-month trial in the preseason but has not played for Locomotive FC since being signed. 

Saturday’s contest at Weidner Field may see Fernández make his debut against a player many fans have claimed he bears a resemblance to in Colorado Springs’ Juan Tejada. 

Either way, Switchbacks coach Alan McCann said his club is ready for whoever takes the pitch on Saturday. 

If one of those players is Fernández, McCann has zero doubt that the opportunity was earned. 

“He’s played before, he’s obviously done enough to earn a spot. El Paso are a serious club and they’re not just going to gift out a contract. There’s no token contracts in this league,” McCann said. “Regardless of all the noise around it, he’s going to come like any other player from the actual action side where I’m sure he’s had to prove himself in their training environment and then if he breaks through into that and gets a starting spot or comes off the bench, he’ll have to prove himself. This league can be unforgiving, but if you come in with the right attitude, you can absolutely impress people.

“They’ve been calling Juan Tejada him for a while so maybe we can get a picture at the end of the game of the two of them for a lookalike competition.”