The Truth Behind Ted Lasso: Who Are the Characters Really Based On?
Although the events of the show are not based on a real story, there are very real soccer figures behind the characters.
Ted Lasso boasts an incredibly clever, witty script and a great cast of actors, so all of the hit show's characters have pleased viewers with many memorable moments. Interestingly, while AFC Richmonds and most of the series' events are fictional, a number of players and coaching staff featured on the show are actually based on real people.
Here comes the list of Ted Lasso characters and the real-life people behind them.
4. Dani Rojas
The energetic athlete is played by Cristo Fernández, a former professional soccer player in the Mexican Premier League, so there is no doubt that the actor himself brought some of his professional experiences into his performance.
What's more, Rojas' story is very similar to the fate of fellow striker Javier Hernández, nicknamed Chicharito, who originally played for Guadalajara and then moved to the English Premier League — remarkably, he also played for West Ham. Hernández now plays for LA Galaxy, an MLS club.
3. Jamie Tartt
Talented but self-centered footballer Jamie Tartt, played by Phil Dunster, is not based on any particular athlete, but his story was clearly inspired by the lives of many sports stars.
Tartt moved to AFC Richmond from Manchester City, where he was already one of the club's most popular players, suggesting similarities with England's most expensive footballer, Jack Grealish.
2. Roy Kent
Played by the magnificent Brett Goldstein, Roy Kent was an instant hit with fans, becoming almost the main highlight of the series by Season 3. A midfielder and captain for AFC Richmond, Roy was initially criticized for his abrasive personality, which began to change over the course of the show, transforming him into an empathetic coach.
The character is partly based on Irish midfielder Roy Keane, who won many awards with Manchester United before becoming an assistant coach.
1. Zava
Zava brought a fresh perspective to Ted Lasso Season 3. Self-centered and demanding at first, the athlete became a true team player by the middle of the series' run, supporting his teammates and adapting to their abilities.
The actor who plays him, Maximilian Osinski, revealed that his character is a cross between Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović and Eric Cantona, a French soccer player. Both are known for their talent and their tendency not to stay at the same soccer club for long.
And don't forget the title character, Coach Lasso. According to Jason Sudeikis, his character is a mix of his own father and his high school basketball coach, Donnie Campbell.
The next Ted Lasso episode will arrive on Apple TV+ on April 26, 2023.
Source: GQ.