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

Apple TV+’s hit sports comedy series ‘Ted Lasso‘ captured global audiences with its heartwarming storylines and dynamic on-pitch football action. To ensure the matches looked authentic on screen, casting director Theo Park required actors auditioning for the AFC Richmond squad to submit video proof of their soccer capabilities.

While some performers possessed casual grassroots experience, several cast members had extensive backgrounds playing competitive or professional football. These real-life athletic backgrounds allowed the cast to perform their own intricate drills and stunts without relying heavily on body doubles.

Cristo Fernández

Before landing his breakout role as Dani Rojas, Cristo Fernández pursued a legitimate professional football career in Mexico. He played as a winger in the youth and reserve systems of Estudiantes Tecos in the Mexican professional league system. A severe knee injury unfortunately derailed his path to top-flight professional soccer, which motivated him to study acting and filmmaking. His genuine athletic prowess allowed him to execute many of his character’s technical tricks and high-energy goal celebrations throughout ‘Ted Lasso’.

Moe Hashim

Moe Hashim, who portrays midfielder Moe Bumbercatch for AFC Richmond, came into ‘Ted Lasso’ with extensive high-level football experience. He competed extensively in semi-professional football and competitive leagues prior to pursuing a professional acting career. His technical talent and command on the pitch stood out so prominently during production that castmates frequently praised his athletic ability. Hashim’s authentic athletic background helped anchor the physical realism of the fictional squad’s training sessions and match sequences.

Phil Dunster

Phil Dunster brought genuine sporting credentials to his performance as the exceptionally skilled striker Jamie Tartt. Dunster grew up playing competitive football and rugby across his youth, which gave him the physical coordination required for the demanding role. He performed many of his own on-pitch maneuvers in ‘Ted Lasso’, including the difficult free-kicks and tactical sequences filmed during match scenes. Although Dunster focused primarily on acting as an adult, his early athletic training enabled him to convincingly portray a premier football prodigy.

Kola Bokinni

Kola Bokinni, who portrays the formidable AFC Richmond defender and captain Isaac McAdoo, grew up immersed in English football culture. He played competitive amateur and Sunday league football extensively throughout South London before establishing his acting career. His natural understanding of pitch positioning and raw physical presence directly informed his character’s commanding leadership style on the field. Bokinni passed the rigorous audition process by demonstrating legitimate ball-handling skills on tape for the production team. On the set of ‘Ted Lasso’, he consistently showcased the strength and defensive instincts of an experienced real-world footballer.

Toheeb Jimoh

Toheeb Jimoh earned the role of the talented right-back Sam Obisanya after proving his athletic capability to the casting directors. Like many youth in London, Jimoh grew up playing grassroots football in local parks and school leagues throughout his childhood. The audition process required him to submit footage of his juggling, passing, and shooting abilities to ensure he could handle on-camera play. His comfort on the pitch allowed him to portray Sam’s evolution from an unconfident prospect into a standout star across 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.