While “Ted Lasso” is a work of fiction, the show uses real-life players as inspiration for some of its characters, such as Dani Rojas based on Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

However, the show does include cameos from actual football players and pundits, with Season 3 bringing its biggest guest appearance: Josep “Pep” Guardiola.

Co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis shared that he got into the “FIFA” video games and was drawn to Manchester City, including its coach, “Pep,” and “his verve and fashion sense.”

Sudeikis said, “It’s not just his choice, you know, it’s also his body and his silhouette, you know?” Bringing Guardiola on is something the actor had been dreaming of for years.

Guardiola’s cameo as the Manchester coach comes at the end of Richmond’s victory over its rivals, a crucial moment for the team and Jamie Tartt.

After the match, Guardiola offers Ted Lasso some words of wisdom and shares a moment with Tartt in a scene some fans feel makes the far-from-perfect final season worth it.