Paloma Cinco is joining the cast of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso for its fourth season, portraying María Rojas. She plays the sister of established character Dani Rojas, who is played by Cinco’s real-life brother Cristo Fernández, according to Agencia Reforma. The expansion of the Rojas family on screen follows a viral red carpet moment and a targeted pitch by the siblings to the show’s production team.
From an Oscar Party Viral Clip to a Direct Pitch
The collaboration began after an interview at the Elton John AIDS Foundation party, in the framework of the 2025 Oscars—referenced in reporting by Agencia Reforma—where Cristo Fernández mentioned the potential of introducing Dani’s sister.
According to Paloma Cinco, that video circulated widely online, prompting the siblings to develop the concept themselves.
Two Takes on Daniela Rojas and a Soccer Teaser
Cinco and Fernández recorded a pitch featuring two distinct takes on the character originally dubbed Daniela Rojas. One version mirrored Dani’s trademark optimism, while the other leaned into a darker persona akin to Roy Kent, as Cinco detailed to Agencia Reforma.
They also produced a teaser showing Cinco playing soccer while Fernández cheered her on from the sidelines to demonstrate their on-screen chemistry. The package included performance videos and was submitted in March or April of the prior year to the Apple TV+ production team, including writers, casting directors, and producers.
In late July, while production was underway in Kansas City, Cinco received her scene confirmation by email. Her parents were the only family members initially briefed on the submission materials.
Open Trials for the Richmond Women’s Team
In the third episode of the fourth season, María Rojas appears at open trials for the Richmond women’s team. Agencia Reforma reports that while María displays notable speed on the pitch, her ball handling ultimately leaves her off the final roster.
The storyline revisits the show’s famous catchphrase, "Football is life," popularized by Dani Rojas. María counters Ted Lasso’s philosophy by asserting that life extends far beyond soccer, establishing a thematic difference between the siblings.
Improvisation on Set and the Return of AFC Richmond
Jason Sudeikis told Deadline that the production team was already familiar with both actors and recognized the natural dynamic of casting real-life family members.
Cinco noted that working with Sudeikis leaned into his background in improvisation, with the actor prompting alternate line deliveries take by take.
A Three-Year Hiatus and Continued Mexican Representation
The fourth season arrives on Apple TV+ following a three-year hiatus, framing Ted Lasso as a coach for a women’s team, according to reporting from SensaCine. Alongside Sudeikis, returning cast members include Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, and Brendan Hunt.
While Cristo Fernández does not appear in the fourth-season lineup—having recently debuted in professional soccer with El Paso Locomotive, as noted by SensaCine—Cinco’s introduction keeps Mexican representation central to the Richmond athletic universe.
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