Ryan Reynolds Owns Football Team: The Hollywood Story of Wrexham AFC

Daniel 22 Jun 2024

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watch Wrexham play for first time

The world of celebrity often intersects with the world of sports in fascinating ways. We've seen it with basketball teams, baseball franchises, and even esports organizations finding themselves backed by big names from Hollywood. But few stories are as captivating and heartwarming as the one unfolding in Wrexham, Wales, where Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds owns a football team.

You might know Ryan Reynolds from his roles as Deadpool, the fast-talking mercenary, or perhaps from his comedic timing in films like "The Proposal" or "Free Guy." But in Wrexham, he's known as the co-owner of Wrexham AFC, a football club with a history as rich as it is long-suffering. This isn't just a vanity project for Reynolds; it's a story of passion, community, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Reynolds, along with fellow actor Rob McElhenney, purchased Wrexham AFC in 2021. The club, founded in 1864, is the third oldest professional football team in the world. Despite its storied past, Wrexham had fallen on hard times, spending over a decade in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. This is where the story takes an unexpected turn.

What started as a seemingly outlandish idea – two Hollywood actors buying a small Welsh football club – quickly captured the imagination of people around the world. Reynolds and McElhenney were not content to be absentee owners. They immersed themselves in the club's culture, the town of Wrexham, and most importantly, its devoted fans.

The pair documented their journey in the FX docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham," which offered an unfiltered look at the challenges and triumphs of running a football club. The series became a global sensation, shining a light on the club, the town, and the beautiful game itself. But beyond the entertainment value, the series showcased the very real impact Reynolds and McElhenney were having, both on and off the pitch.

The influx of investment brought about by the new ownership allowed for improvements to the club's infrastructure, including the Racecourse Ground, the team's historic stadium. It also meant attracting a higher caliber of players, raising the level of competition and ambition.

Perhaps the most significant impact, however, has been the revitalization of the town of Wrexham itself. The buzz around the club has brought in tourism, boosted local businesses, and restored a sense of pride among the community. Reynolds and McElhenney's commitment to Wrexham has extended beyond the football pitch, with the duo investing in local charities and initiatives.

The Ryan Reynolds effect has been undeniable. His global star power has brought unprecedented attention to a club that had been toiling in relative obscurity. This has translated into increased merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and a global fan base that Wrexham AFC could only have dreamed of just a few years ago.

This unlikely tale is far from over. Wrexham AFC, under Reynolds' co-ownership, achieved promotion back to the English Football League in 2023, a testament to the team's hard work and the dedication of their new owners. What started as a captivating story of Hollywood meeting Welsh football has evolved into something truly special. It's a testament to the power of community, the allure of the beautiful game, and the potential for even the most unexpected of partnerships to achieve extraordinary things.

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