Ryan Reynolds's career over the last decade or so, at least until recently, has been a non-stop streak of wins across multiple industries from acting and producing to liquor to marketing and also football. There haven’t been a lot of good news headlines for Ryan in 2025 but Wrexham AFC has been one of the bright spots.
Ryan co-owns the team with Rob McElhenney and according to Fortune the club is now worth $100 million, a 4900% increase from when they bought it in 2021 with an investment of US$2.6 million. This is due in part to the documentary Welcome to Wrexham and increased social media popularity driving merch sales and attracting sponsorships and other partnerships – which of course allows Ryan and Rob to put money into talent, and setting up the club to perform where it needs to, on the pitch.
Wrexham has been promoted twice in two years. And they’re looking at going three for three as the team now controls its own destiny. They won on Saturday giving them a six point lead on the team in third place in League One with five matches to go. If Wrexham can stay in the top two, the club will be promoted to EFL Championship, the second tier in the English football league system. And it would be history as they would be the first team ever to be promoted three consecutive years.
This is why Ryan was at the game on Saturday in person, given everything that’s on the line and why he and/or Rob might be expected to show up for the remaining games as Wrexham gets closer and closer to the possibility. They’re not there yet, obviously, but Saturday’s win means that they don’t have to depend on other teams winning or losing to secure their position – this is what everyone in a playoff and/or title situation wants: to be able to live or die on their own terms.
As for Ryan and Rob’s involvement with Wrexham over these last few years, some assumed this was vanity, or that they’d pour money in to get a lot more money out and sell it – which is definitely a concern, a concern because for the most part, the team and its community have greatly appreciated their stewardship. They have been super supportive of the women’s team and women’s football, and they’ve become ambassadors for the sport, period. Ryan was at the UN back in March to support the Football for the Goals initiative. So while they probably haven’t been perfect, no doubt, the motivation does seem sincere.
It’ll be interesting to see how their leadership changes, or doesn’t, as Wrexham’s fortunes continue to improve.
