Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez makes his professional debut for the El Paso Locomotives

Fernández played youth football in his hometown of Guadalajara, but a knee injury forced him away from the game at age 15.

After moving to London, he starred in the award-winning Ted Lasso, the story of an American football coach who is hired to manage fictional Premier League side AFC Richmond.

After signing for Lokomotiv, Fernandez said: “This journey back to professional football is about believing in yourself, taking risks and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unpredictable the path.”

A fourth series of Ted Lasso will debut on Apple TV on August 5.