On March 7, 2026, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively made a rare and affectionate public appearance at Wrexham’s FA Cup match against Chelsea in Wales, drawing attention with their heartfelt display amid an intense game. The visit was significant not only because Reynolds is a co-owner of Wrexham but also because it marked one of the couple’s first major outings since Lively’s ongoing legal dispute with director Justin Baldoni began.
Lively and Reynolds Share Intimate Moments Amid High-Stakes Football
During the Football Association Challenge Cup clash at Racecourse Ground, the couple was seen embracing and sharing kisses from their VIP box while the match unfolded. Reynolds, who co-owns Wrexham alongside Rob McElhenney, watched the game with evident investment, reflecting the emotional stakes of the fixture. The 49-year-old Deadpool star and the 38-year-old actress appeared carefree and united in the stands despite the tension of the match and Reynolds’s complex feelings about the final result.
Rob McElhenney, also present, observed alongside them, focusing on the game, not the couple’s public affection. Sporting a casual but coordinated look, Reynolds wore a gray sweatshirt and jeans, while Lively chose a denim jacket and matching bottoms combined with a striped shirt, turning stadium seating into an unexpected fashion moment.
Wrexham’s Thrilling but Heartbreaking FA Cup Run Ends Against Chelsea
The match itself was a roller coaster of emotions. Wrexham struck first with an early goal from striker Sam Smith and later took a 2-1 lead through defender Callum Doyle near the end of regular time. However, Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong equalized late, forcing extra time. Ultimately, the Welsh club succumbed 4-2, ending their promising FA Cup journey. Despite the heartbreak, Wrexham’s performance was commendable, pushing one of England’s top teams to the brink.
Reynolds shared moments of sportsmanship on social media, posting footage of himself and McElhenney applauding Chelsea after the match. Their reaction, paired with a warm hug between the co-owners, captured the bittersweet reality of falling short of advancing further in the tournament.
Actor Shows Pride in Team Despite Defeat
Following the match, Reynolds reflected on the club’s progress via Instagram.
“Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time,”
he wrote, continuing with,
“So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today.”
His words conveyed a sense of hope and acknowledgment of the team’s growth despite the loss.
Lively also took to social media, posting a smiling photo of herself and Reynolds on the now-empty pitch with the caption, What. A. Game. She added a playful nod to her acting past, referencing the Empire Hotel from the series that established her fame:
“Puttin’ my night out hair to good use,”
she wrote.
“I spy the Empire Hotel [if you know, you know].”
Legal Challenges Loom as Couple Reconnects Publicly
This affectionate outing stands out against the backdrop of Lively’s ongoing lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, director of It Ends With Us. Filed in December 2024, the suit accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation, citing severe emotional distress on Lively’s part. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit valued at $400 million, which was dismissed in June 2025. The trial is set for May 18, 2026, underscoring the high-profile and intense nature of the case.
The timing of the couple’s appearance, just a day after pre-trial proceedings, suggested a moment of relief or deliberate respite from their legal battles. Their public display of affection at the Wrexham game offered a striking contrast to the ongoing tensions surrounding Lively’s lawsuit.
Strong Family Bond Amidst Public and Private Pressure
Married since 2012, Reynolds and Lively share four children: James (born December 2014), Inez (September 2016), Betty (October 2019), and Olin (February 2023). Over their fourteen years together, the family has maintained a presence in both Hollywood and sports, especially with Reynolds’s deepening investment in Wrexham football club. Their recent appearance showcases a united front, highlighting their continued closeness despite the challenges they face.
Lively’s involvement with Wrexham extends beyond this FA Cup match. In April 2025, she attended Wrexham’s win over Charlton Athletic, which secured the team’s promotion to the Championship. She has also supported Wrexham Women’s fixtures, engaging with fans and players alike on the sidelines, reflecting sincere support for the club and its community.
Ryan Reynolds Embraces Role as Hollywood Football Owner
Reynolds has fully embraced his position as Wrexham’s co-owner and enthusiastic supporter. His connection to the sport and community was evident in moments like pouring drinks for fans during promotion celebrations and celebrating the club’s progress with infectious enthusiasm. Although the FA Cup loss to Chelsea was disappointing, the experience brought attention and excitement to this burgeoning football project.
Saturday’s events combined the thrill of football, the intimacy of a power couple’s public moment, and a subtle reminder of the off-field challenges they navigate. The affectionate display in the stands, paired with thoughtful social media reflections, paints a picture of a couple balancing pressures with genuine connection — even when the scoreboard isn’t in their favor.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Snapped Making Out During Soccer Game https://t.co/SWYEpUgbI1 pic.twitter.com/UmTaJnVKX7
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 8, 2026
Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 7, 2026
