Real Football Players That Inspired Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond

If you love football, but have never heard of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso and haven’t been chanting “We’re Richmond ’til we die!”, then you’re seriously missing out! This hilarious show follows the fictional AFC Richmond, a Premier League team that’s taken the football world by storm. But what’s even more exciting is that these characters are inspired by real life football players.

Buckle up as we reveal the ACTUAL footballer legends behind your favorite AFC Richmond stars!

Is AFC Richmond a Real Team?

As much as we love the thrill of a new team to support, AFC Richmond is not a real football team. It is a fictional team that exists in the 11 Emmy award-winning show Ted Lasso.

In Ted Lasso, AFC Richmond is a Premier League football team struggling to find their voice and character in a competitive English football scene. In an attempt to “salvage”—or rather, destroy (we see you, Rebecca!)—the team from relegation, AFC Richmond’s new manager hired an American football coach (Ted Lasso) to manage the sinking football players. What seemed like a massive joke of a new hire turned out to be one of the best decisions Richmond has ever had in their entire (fictional!) existence.

But is AFC Richmond based on a real team?

Well, some will say that the parallels between AFC Richmond and Crystal Palace are uncanny. From the team’s signature colors to their shared south-east London roots, it’s clear that the Premier League club was a major influence. It’s also no coincidence that Ted Lasso’s coaching debut was against the Premier League powerhouse football players in Season 1.

Which Football Players Are Richmond’s Best Based On?

As with any fictional show that explores the beauty of football, there’s always a touch of inspiration behind-the-scenes for every character. And in Ted Lasso, tons of their team players (and coaches, too!) are based on real life football players.

Here’s who some of AFC Richmond’s best is based on:

1) Roy Kent is Roy Keane

Who’s the real Roy? The gruff, foul-mouthed AFC Richmond captain or the equally fiery Manchester United legend? 

Roy Kent, the beloved character from Ted Lasso, is a clear homage to Roy Keane.

Kent’s iconic “He’s here, he’s there, he’s every-f*cking-where!” chant perfectly captures the relentless energy and intensity that Keane brought to the pitch. Both men were box-to-box midfielders, constantly harrying opponents and driving their teams forward. They may have been rough around the edges, but their passion and determination as football players made them fan favorites.

While Keane may not have quite the same comedic timing as Kent, he certainly shared the same fiery spirit. His clashes with opponents, managers, and even teammates were legendary. Both men also transitioned into punditry and coaching roles, bringing the same intensity and honesty to the analysis booth.

So, the next time you watch Ted Lasso and marvel at Roy Kent’s antics, remember that the character is inspired by one of the most iconic football players in Premier League history!

2) Jamie Tartt is Cristiano Ronaldo

Many people would even say he’s also got a touch of football players like David Beckham and Jack Grealish – but if there’s any footballer that really hits with that Jamie Tartt charm and extraordinary talent, it’s gotta be Cristiano Ronaldo.

Check out Jamie Tartt’s best moments as he grew into the amazing player he is today at AFC Richmond:

Jamie Tartt is pretty much the embodiment of young football players who think their foot’s been kissed by God himself. His free-kick technique, for instance, is reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s, with that signature dip and swerve. And like the Portuguese superstar, Tartt has a knack for scoring spectacular goals.

However, Tartt’s personality is a mix of arrogance and vulnerability, a bit like a pouty diva. Think Ronaldo, but with a dash of Antonio Cassano’s flair and eccentricity. It’s this unique blend that makes Tartt such an entertaining character.

3) Zava is Zlatan Ibrahimovic

No one screams Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of the most hated football players ever, quite like the enigmatic Zava. Ted Lasso’s Zava is a towering striker that made his debut appearance in Season 3 when Richmond needed a star player to clinch them a top spot in their hard-earned return to the Premier League after climbing back up from relegation. With his self-belief and showboating skills, he is a clear nod to the Swedish football icon.

Like Ibrahimović, Zava is a larger-than-life figure who commands attention on and off the pitch. Both football players are known for their audacious goals, their outspoken nature, their affinity for switching teams almost every bloody year, and their ability to elevate any team they play for.

Whether it’s Zava’s arrival at AFC Richmond or Ibrahimović’s move to a new club, the impact is immediate. They are both game-changers, capable of single-handedly deciding matches. So, the next time you watch Ted Lasso, keep an eye on Zava and remember: he’s a Zlatan for a new generation!

4) Dani Rojas is Javier Hernandez

“Fútbol is life,” as Dani Rojas would say – and in fact, so would the Javier Hernandez!

Dani Rojas burst onto the scene in Ted Lasso as a whirlwind of energy and positivity. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief in himself mirrored the spirit of a real-life footballing icon: Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

Both Rojas and Chicharito are known for their relentless work ethic, their love for the game, and their ability to score spectacular goals. Chicharito’s early career, marked by his prolific goal-scoring and infectious smile, is a clear inspiration for Rojas’ character. From their passionate celebrations to their unwavering determination, both football players have captured the hearts of fans around the world.

While their playing styles may differ slightly, their shared love for the game and their ability to uplift their teammates are undeniable. Whether it’s Rojas’ acrobatic goals or Chicharito’s clinical finishing, both players have a knack for the dramatic. And let’s not forget the iconic moment when Rojas scored a goal with his face in a match against Chelsea in Season 3, a feat that even Chicharito himself has iconically done in real life.

5) Sam Obisanya is Bukayo Saka

While the show has never officially confirmed the bright and cheerful Sam Obisanya’s similarities to young star Bukayo Saka, loads of people can certainly see the similarities. 

Both football players hail from Nigeria, a nation renowned for producing world-class footballers. And both have made a name for themselves on the right flank, dazzling fans with their skill, pace, and creativity. Additionally, Obisanya’s humble and charming nature mirrors that of Bukayo, who has won the hearts of fans worldwide with his talent and down-to-earth personality.

6) Ted Lasso is Jürgen Klopp

And of course, what would a show like Ted Lasso be without first being inspired by an actual footballer. Ted is clearly inspired by the real-life footballing mastermind, Jürgen Klopp. Though unlike the American coach, Klopp is a seasoned football veteran, having played the sport himself.

One of the most striking similarities between the two football players is their unique approach to team-building. In 2018, Klopp famously took his Liverpool squad out for a karaoke night to boost morale. This real-life event was cleverly incorporated into Ted Lasso’s storyline, showcasing the show’s creative team’s ability to blend fiction with reality.

Klopp himself has expressed admiration for the show, acknowledging the reference to him in an interview with CBS Sports. He humorously stated, “Ted Lasso mentioned me. That’s better than getting the trophy for best manager!”

“Ted Lasso mentioned me… That’s better getting the trophy for best manager.”

Jurgen Klopp’s a big Ted Lasso fan 😂👏 @TedLasso @jasonsudeikis pic.twitter.com/yv04hH8Xmw

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 3, 2021

Beyond their coaching styles, both Klopp and Lasso have openly discussed the importance of mental health. Klopp has been a vocal advocate for prioritizing one’s well-being after resigning from his Liverpool manager post. Similarly, Ted Lasso’s character arc in Season 3 explores the challenges of his own mental health, highlighting the significance of self-care and seeking help while being in high-performance sports like football.

So, Want to Play for AFC Richmond?

While you can’t exactly lace up your boots and join Ted Lasso’s squad and experience “the Lasso Way” aka Total Football, you can still experience the beauty of this show through Apple TV+ (and we hear, Season 4 may soon be greenlit!).

AFC Richmond may not be real, but the inspiration behind the team and its football players is as genuine as a locker room full of sweaty jerseys.

The team’s charismatic coach, Ted Lasso, himself draws inspiration from Jürgen Klopp. Both share a similar philosophy, emphasizing positivity, teamwork, and mental health. So, the next time you watch Ted Lasso, remember that behind the fictional world of AFC Richmond lies a rich tapestry of real-life footballing legends!