Ted Lasso S3 Finale: A Surprising Real-Life Premier League Legend Plays A Huge Role For AFC Richmond
Contains spoilers for "Ted Lasso" Season 3 finale, "So Long, Farewell"
"Ted Lasso" Season 3's closing episode blew the final whistle on some big storylines, but not before AFC Richmond competed in one last game against West Ham United F.C. The London club is Richmond's biggest rival, after all, so it's only fitting that the team's last match of the season boasted high-stakes tension. Furthermore, the contest includes a cameo from an English Premier League legend.
The match in question is officiated by none other than Mike Dean, the real-life soccer referee who's been associated with England's top league since the early 2000s. Dean is a controversial figure in English football as he was prone to handing out yellow and red cards throughout his career — often riling up fans as a result — but he certainly left his mark on the sport. He took part in 560 matches during his heyday as well, which is an impressive milestone.
Dean receives some significant screen time during the finale's big game, making some decisions that help Richmond pick up the victory and end the league campaign on a high note. Of course, fans of "Ted Lasso" might remember him from a previous episode as well.
Mike Dean also has a cameo in Ted Lasso Season 2
Prior to his appearance in the "Ted Lasso" Season 3 finale, Mike Dean graced another memorable episode of the soccer-themed comedy. Season 2's "Beard After Hours" chronicles the titular character (Brendan Hunt) as he goes on an adventure through London's party-centric underbelly following a game, and it's arguably the strangest episode of "Ted Lasso" to date. Dean features in a footballing cameo before Beard's late-night journey commences.
"Beard After Hours" sees Dean officiate a game that doesn't go in AFC Richmond's favor, and he dishes out one of his trademark yellow cards to Nate (Nick Mohammed). Basically, Nate isn't happy about Dean's decisions and proceeds to verbally berate the referee, who takes umbrage with the trash talk and makes the assistant coach regret his tirade.
Of course, "Ted Lasso" is littered with cameos from English Premier League legends. For example, Season 3's penultimate episode features a cameo from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who takes a moment to talk about his admiration for Richmond's beloved manager. The show honors the sport it's based on, and it's managed to attract some legendary footballing figures to add weight to the proceedings.