Cristo Fernández has signed a professional contract with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC after a two-month trial, the club said on Tuesday. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Fernández, 35, played youth football in Mexico before stopping at 15 because of a knee injury, then returned to the game after years away from the professional path. [1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5]
He trained with the reserves of Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire earlier in 2026 before his spell with El Paso. [2, 3, 6]
El Paso head coach Junior Gonzalez said Fernández is “a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our forward line.” [2, 3, 6, 4]
Fernández said football had always stayed close to him. He said, “Football 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.” He also said, “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my team-mates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.” [1, 2, 6, 4]
The signing adds another chapter to Fernández’s unusual route back into the sport after his injury curtailed his youth career. One report said El Paso were fourth in Group B of the USL Championship standings, while another placed them fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. [2, 3, 6, 4]
El Paso announced the deal on Tuesday, and reports on the signing were published on Wednesday. [2, 3, 4, 5]
