Ryan Reynolds, the Ryan Reynolds Wrexham owner, is eagerly anticipating his club’s upcoming FA Cup fifth-round clash with Premier League side Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground this Saturday evening. This eagerly awaited fixture represents a classic battle of the tiers, with Wrexham, a Championship team, hosting the top-flight champions in an event that promises high stakes and fierce competition.
Wrexham secured their place in this round by narrowly defeating Ipswich Town, thanks to a decisive goal from Josh Windass. Chelsea, on the other hand, stormed past Hull City with a dominant 4-0 victory highlighted by Pedro Neto’s hat-trick and a strike from Estevao. The game offers Wrexham a rare opportunity to measure themselves against elite opposition while advancing their ambitions in the prestigious FA Cup tournament.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Impact on Wrexham’s Rise
Since acquiring Wrexham in 2021 alongside Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds Wrexham owner has overseen a remarkable transformation under manager Phil Parkinson, achieving three consecutive promotions. This success has raised expectations for a Premier League push, with the club currently targeting a play-off spot in the Championship. Beyond league aspirations, the FA Cup run offers a chance for the team to make history and gain wider recognition.
The club’s rise has been accompanied by significant business moves, including selling a stake to Apollo Sports Capital, which has pushed Wrexham’s valuation to an impressive £350 million. This highlights the commercial growth and growing stature of the once modest Welsh side, fueled by smart ownership and astute management.
Ryan Reynolds’ Financial Standing and Business Ventures
Ryan Reynolds’ growing fortune has attracted attention beyond football, with estimates placing his net worth between $400 million and $448 million. Much of his wealth comes from shrewd business ventures, including his stake in Mint Mobile, which was acquired by T-Mobile in 2023, reportedly netting him £200 million. Additionally, his previous 20% ownership in Aviation Gin contributed significantly following its sale to Diageo for around £450 million.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s financial acumen is also evident in their handling of Wrexham, exemplified by an early repayment of £15 million in club loans earlier this year. Meanwhile, Reynolds’ acting career continues to be lucrative, with annual earnings projected at roughly £100 million, from ongoing projects and royalties.
The success of the FX documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which showcases the club’s journey, has also opened new revenue streams for the owners, further boosting Wrexham’s profile and commercial potential.
Ryan Reynolds’ Past Relationships
Ryan Reynolds is married to actress Blake Lively, with whom he shares three daughters and a son. Before Lively, Reynolds was married to Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars. Their relationship began shortly after his breakup with fiancée Alanis Morissette, advancing quickly to engagement and marriage in September 2008.
The marriage was short-lived, ending after just two years. Their divorce became final by July 2011. Shortly afterward, Reynolds publicly confirmed his romance with Blake Lively. Reflecting on the divorce, Reynolds admitted in May 2011 that he was still experiencing pain from the split. Johansson later referred to Reynolds as “a good guy” during a 2023 interview on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop podcast.
Defending Wrexham Against ‘Disney FC’ Criticism
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have addressed critics who have labeled Wrexham as “Disney FC,” a mocking nickname tied to the club’s association with the Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham. The term suggests the club is a manufactured entertainment product rather than a genuine football institution, a charge aimed by rival fans since James McClean’s January departure.
James McClean expressed appreciation for his time at Wrexham, saying:
“It’s genuinely been the most incredible and enjoyable couple of years I have had. A huge thank you to @vancityreynolds and @robmac, who are two incredible people by the way, for giving me the opportunity to be part of the magic that is Wrexham – or to people outside of Wrexham, ‘Disney FC.’”
– James McClean, Footballer
Ryan Reynolds confronted the label head-on, stating:
“Usually, we start each episode with something funny or heartwarming, but this week I think we should address what people have been saying about us. You know, the Disney thing. We get it, there are similarities. We like parades, we like fans, we like costumed characters and merch. I could go on.”
McElhenney added sharply:
“We invite you all to come experience that magic with us through the tale of Disney FC. The rest of you jaded p***** can go f*** your f****** selves.”
Continuing, McElhenney said:
“Two things. One, to all the opposing clubs that are upset we didn’t choose them and went with Wrexham instead, I am sorry. And two, what was two again?”
Reynolds responded:
“One was sorry we thought Wrexham was more special than the other clubs, and two was,”
before both owners concluded the segment with rude gestures toward the camera.
Their forceful reaction reveals their disregard for detractors and indicates a determined focus on advancing the club’s sporting goals, especially with the high-profile FA Cup encounter looming.
The Growing Influence of Wrexham Under Celebrity Ownership
Since Reynolds and McElhenney’s involvement, Wrexham has emerged from relative obscurity to become a focal point in football discussions, boosted by promotions, strong cup runs, and a global media presence. The club’s soaring valuation to £350 million underscores the commercial opportunities created through their stewardship.
The upcoming FA Cup match against Chelsea not only tests Wrexham’s competitiveness against one of England’s biggest clubs but also exemplifies the broader ambitions of its owners. Their efforts have put the Welsh side on a trajectory aimed at Premier League entry, promising to reshape footballing expectations for smaller clubs illuminated by celebrity investment and innovative promotion.
