Ryan Reynolds‘ role as Wrexham co-owner positions the club at the center of an intense FA Cup fifth-round match against Premier League heavyweight Chelsea on Saturday at the Racecourse Ground. This showdown features Wrexham, a Championship side, aiming to advance by upsetting the top-tier Blues.
The Red Dragons advanced after a narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, thanks to Josh Windass’s decisive goal, while Chelsea entered the round having dominated Hull City 4-0, with Pedro Neto scoring a hat-trick and Estevao adding another goal. The upcoming clash is a test of the ambitious Welsh team’s ability to compete against elite competition.
The Journey and Ambitions of Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham
Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired Wrexham FC in 2021, the club has achieved remarkable progress, including three consecutive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson. Their eyes are now firmly fixed on reaching the Premier League, while the FA Cup offers an opportunity to gain experience against top-level opponents and compete for silverware.
Wrexham’s current trajectory places them on the cusp of the Championship play-offs. Meanwhile, the club’s rising profile has attracted substantial investment, including the partial sale to Apollo Sports Capital, valuing Wrexham at an estimated £350 million.
This progression reflects the owners’ business savvy combined with the club’s on-field success, magnifying anticipation around Wrexham’s high-profile fixtures.
Financial Standing of Ryan Reynolds and Impact on Wrexham
Canadian actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds has built a notable fortune estimated between $400 million and $448 million, largely through savvy investments alongside his entertainment career. Significant wealth sources include his stake in Mint Mobile, acquired by T-Mobile in 2023, with his share reputedly worth over £200 million, and a prior 20% ownership of Aviation Gin, sold to Diageo for about £450 million.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s financial expertise extends to Wrexham, where they recently recovered £15 million in loans, emphasizing strong club management. Reynolds’ annual acting income, projected around £100 million, supports his broader portfolio, which includes generating further revenue via the FX documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham,” boosting visibility for both the club and its owners.
Ryan Reynolds’ Personal Life and Past Relationships
Ryan Reynolds is currently married to actress Blake Lively, with whom he shares three daughters and a son. Before Lively, Reynolds was briefly married to Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. Their relationship followed Reynolds’ split from former fiancée Alanis Morissette.
Reynolds and Johansson became engaged within a year of going public with their relationship, marrying in September 2008. However, their marriage dissolved after less than two years, concluding with a finalized divorce in July 2011. Reynolds publicly acknowledged lingering emotional pain from the divorce in May 2011, while Johansson described him positively during a 2023 interview on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop podcast.
Addressing the ‘Disney FC’ Nickname Directed at Wrexham
Wrexham’s ownership duo faced criticism when rival supporters dubbed the club “Disney FC,” referencing the team’s increased fame from their documentary on Disney+ and the club’s embrace of fan-friendly elements like parades, merchandise, and costumed characters.
Ryan Reynolds responded to the nickname during a segment reflecting on the comment, 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.’”
Irishman James McClean, having departed Wrexham earlier in the year, expressed gratitude for his time at the club.
Reynolds also commented:
“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.”
Rob McElhenney interjected 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.”
He further added:
“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 replied:
“One was sorry we thought Wrexham was more special than the other clubs, and two was,”
concluding the exchange with McElhenney as they made irreverent gestures toward the camera. This reaction highlights the owners’ indifference to critics and their focus on the club’s future challenges, including the FA Cup encounter with Chelsea.
Significance of the FA Cup Encounter and Future Prospects
The upcoming match between Ryan Reynolds Wrexham owner’s club and Chelsea represents more than just a cup fixture; it symbolizes Wrexham’s rise and ambition to compete at the highest levels of English football. Success in this tie would boost their credibility and experience against Premier League opposition, potentially accelerating their Premier League aspirations.
This high-profile game also maintains public and media attention on Wrexham, especially with Reynolds and McElhenney’s continued investment and involvement through both financial means and media projects. For Wrexham fans, the clash is a chance to witness their club make a definitive statement on the national stage.
The result and performance on Saturday will likely shape momentum heading into the decisive stages of the season, with potential long-term effects on Wrexham’s growth, reputation, and ownership strategy.
