Ryan Reynolds Wrexham AFC has experienced an extraordinary turnaround since the actor, together with Rob McElhenney, purchased the Welsh soccer club in 2021 for approximately $2.6 million. Once competing in England‘s fifth-tier league and standing eighth in the table, Wrexham is now on the brink of reaching the upper echelons of English football, boasting a current valuation near $130 million.
Despite being one of the world’s oldest professional soccer clubs, founded in October 1864, Wrexham gained little attention until the involvement of its Hollywood owners. Their stewardship has fueled a string of successes over the past five years, culminating in the team’s progression to the fifth round of the FA Cup, England’s oldest and most prestigious national soccer tournament.
Upcoming Match Against Premier League Giant Chelsea
This Saturday, Wrexham will take on Chelsea FC, a leading club in the English Premier League, at 12:45 p.m. ET. Chelsea typically dominates lower-division teams given its status as one of the wealthiest clubs worldwide, but Wrexham’s recent performances have inspired hope among fans and experts alike. The team’s sensational journey includes a notable victory on penalties against Nottingham Forest, a Premier League side, in the third round of the FA Cup, as well as a win over Ipswich Town in the fourth round.
After hearing about the draw, Reynolds shared his excitement publicly, saying, “Home! Chelsea! Yes!” in a video posted on the social media platform X.
Wrexham’s Climb Through England’s Football Leagues
Since Reynolds and McElhenney assumed ownership, Wrexham’s rise through the ranks has been rapid. The club claimed the National League title in the 2022-2023 season, earning promotion to English League Two, the fourth tier. Following consecutive second-place finishes, Wrexham advanced to the EFL Championship, England’s second-tier league, where they currently hold sixth place with eleven games remaining in the season.
The team’s current position allows for a chance at Premier League promotion; the top two teams gain automatic elevation, while teams placed third through sixth compete in a playoff tournament for the final promotion spot.
The Broader Significance of the FA Cup Encounter
While beating Chelsea would be an enormous upset, propelling Wrexham further in the FA Cup remains a steep challenge. After the match against the Blues, Wrexham would likely face other top-tier clubs on the road to winning the trophy, an outcome that seems improbable but would be historic if achieved. Recent upsets in English football, such as sixth-tier Macclesfield FC’s surprising 2-1 victory over Premier League side Crystal Palace in January, demonstrate that extraordinary results are achievable.
Wrexham’s fairy-tale run under the guidance of Reynolds and McElhenney has captured the imagination of supporters and the broader soccer world, reflecting the potential for underdog teams to compete at high levels. The club’s progress has not only revived its legacy but has also injected fresh excitement into the English football landscape.
As Wrexham prepares for its toughest test yet against Chelsea, fans across the globe will be watching to see if the club can continue its remarkable ascent and secure a place among England’s elite.
Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap 🔴⚔️🔵 pic.twitter.com/aC8EnLCZEl
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 16, 2026
