Ryan Reynolds: A Dedicated 'Wrexham Lifer' Whose Kids Wish He'd Walk Faster
Hollywood megastar Ryan Reynolds, known for his charismatic roles in blockbusters like Deadpool, has confessed that his burgeoning passion for Wrexham AFC is starting to test the patience of his youngest fans: his own children. The actor, who co-owns the historic Welsh football club with fellow actor Rob McElhenney, revealed in a recent interview that his daughters and son often get "frustrated" when his street encounters turn into lengthy discussions about the club.
The Wrexham Phenomenon and Family Life
Reynolds, a self-proclaimed "Wrexham lifer," admitted that while he's always happy to engage with fans about the team he co-owns, his family doesn't always share the same enthusiasm. "If we are walking down the street, I'll get asked about Deadpool [by someone] and it's usually a two or three-second conversation," Reynolds explained. "If someone talks about Wrexham, I just turn right round and park it against a street pole. My kids are like, 'oh no!'" This candid admission offers a humorous glimpse into the intersection of global stardom and dedicated football fandom.
The journey of Reynolds and McElhenney with Wrexham AFC has been nothing short of a modern fairy tale, documented in the critically acclaimed Disney+ docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham." Since their February 2021 takeover, the club has seen a dramatic resurgence. Once struggling and relegated from the Football League in 2008, Wrexham AFC was saved by its devoted supporters before the Hollywood duo injected new life and significant investment into the historic institution. The club is now reportedly worth an impressive £350 million.
From Hollywood to the Racecourse: A Shared Dream
The partnership between Reynolds and McElhenney, initially strangers who connected via Instagram, has proven to be a masterclass in celebrity sports ownership. McElhenney, inspired by the Netflix documentary 'Til I Die about Sunderland FC, was drawn to the "community of Wrexham." He saw a reflection of people he grew up with in the faces of the club's supporters. "The community of Wrexham - that is what always drew me in," he stated. "I just kept looking at the faces of the people and they looked like me. Like people I grew up with."
With Wrexham in need of "movie star money" to secure its future, McElhenney's extensive email to Reynolds, a virtual stranger at the time, sparked a collaboration that has captivated the world. Their shared vision and investment have not only revitalized Wrexham AFC but also earned "Welcome to Wrexham" 10 Emmy awards, showcasing their ability to blend entertainment with genuine sports passion.
On-Field Success and Ambitious Future Plans
Under the management of Phil Parkinson, Wrexham AFC has achieved three consecutive promotions, a remarkable feat that has seen them climb the leagues and now set their sights on the Premier League. Reynolds himself admits to being deeply invested, stating, "I know I'm a football fan and a Wrexham lifer because I'm inconsolable when we lose. I've never been as invested in winning and losing before." The team's recent promotion in 2025 has only amplified the excitement and the club's aspirations.
Beyond the pitch, Reynolds and McElhenney have ambitious plans for the city of Wrexham itself. A key project involves completing the Kop stand at The Racecourse Ground, significantly increasing the stadium's capacity. Furthermore, they aim to foster a vibrant local scene through a "programme of arts and entrepreneurship" at the local Glyndwr University. "We want to draw people in, who then stay in Wrexham, to take the artistic spirit and endeavour to build something within the town using arts and business," McElhenney shared. "That seems like a sustainable model that could help from a macroeconomic standpoint."
While the dream of seeing Wrexham compete in the Premier League is palpable, the owners' commitment extends to creating a lasting positive impact on the town and its inhabitants. Even as his children might wish for quicker departures from fan encounters, Ryan Reynolds' dedication to Wrexham AFC is unwavering, cementing his status not just as a Hollywood icon, but as a true football enthusiast and a vital part of the Wrexham community.
