Which ‘Ted Lasso’ Cast Members Played Soccer Professionally in Real Life

Apple TV+’s beloved sports comedy series ‘Ted Lasso‘ has captivated audiences worldwide with its uplifting narratives and engaging football scenes. To ensure authenticity in the matches, casting director Theo Park required actors auditioning for the AFC Richmond team to provide video evidence of their soccer skills.

While some cast members had casual playing experience, others boasted impressive backgrounds in competitive or professional football. These real-life athletic histories enabled the actors to perform their own complex drills and stunts without needing extensive body doubles.

Cristo Fernández

Before his breakout role as Dani Rojas, Cristo Fernández pursued a professional football career in Mexico, playing as a winger in the youth and reserve systems of Estudiantes Tecos in the Mexican league. A serious knee injury cut short his path to top-level soccer, prompting him to shift his focus to acting and filmmaking. His athletic skills allowed him to execute many of his character’s technical tricks and energetic goal celebrations throughout ‘Ted Lasso’.

Moe Hashim

Moe Hashim, who plays midfielder Moe Bumbercatch for AFC Richmond, came to ‘Ted Lasso’ with a wealth of high-level football experience. He had a history of competing in semi-professional leagues before transitioning to acting. His technical skills and presence on the pitch were so impressive during filming that his co-stars often praised his athleticism. Hashim’s genuine sports background contributed significantly to the physical authenticity of the team’s training and match scenes.

Phil Dunster

Phil Dunster brought real sporting credentials to his role as the talented striker Jamie Tartt. Growing up, Dunster played competitive football and rugby, which equipped him with the physical coordination necessary for the demanding character. He performed many of his on-field maneuvers in ‘Ted Lasso’, including challenging free-kicks and tactical plays during match scenes. Although he focused on acting as an adult, his early athletic training allowed him to convincingly embody a football prodigy.

Kola Bokinni

Kola Bokinni, who plays the strong AFC Richmond defender and captain Isaac McAdoo, grew up deeply rooted in English football culture. He played competitive amateur and Sunday league football extensively in South London before embarking on his acting career. His natural grasp of pitch positioning and commanding physical presence informed his character’s leadership style on the field. Bokinni successfully passed the rigorous audition by showcasing his genuine ball-handling skills on tape. On the set of ‘Ted Lasso’, he consistently demonstrated the strength and instincts of a seasoned footballer.

Toheeb Jimoh

Toheeb Jimoh earned the role of the skilled right-back Sam Obisanya after demonstrating his athletic abilities to the casting directors. Like many youths in London, Jimoh grew up playing grassroots football in local parks and school leagues. The audition required him to submit footage showcasing his juggling, passing, and shooting skills, ensuring he could handle on-camera play. His comfort on the pitch allowed him to portray Sam’s growth from an unsure prospect to a standout star throughout all three seasons of ‘Ted Lasso’.

Share your thoughts in the comments about which ‘Ted Lasso’ star surprised you the most with their real-life soccer talent.