Ryan Reynolds Soccer Team Co Owner
Ryan Reynolds has become a familiar name in soccer boardrooms, not just Hollywood. As co-owner of Wrexham AFC alongside Rob McElhenney, he has helped turn a historic Welsh club into a global talking point. The story is about more than star power; it is about community, smart investment, and a shared belief that a small club can dream big. For Australian fans following the global game, the Wrexham journey offers a refreshing example of what can happen when owners genuinely engage with supporters.
How Ryan Reynolds Became a Soccer Club Co-Owner
The co-ownership began in 2021, when Reynolds and McElhenney completed their takeover of Wrexham AFC. The club, founded in 1864, had a proud history but had spent years outside the English Football League. Rather than simply attaching their names to a brand, the pair embraced the town, the fans, and the daily realities of running a soccer club. Their approach has been noticeable: they attend matches when possible, communicate openly, and treat supporters as partners rather than customers. The result is a club that feels connected from the boardroom to the terraces.
One of the most visible drivers of Wrexham's rise has been the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. It introduced the club to viewers around the world, including many in Australia who may never have heard of the town before. The show highlights the people behind the badge: local businesses, lifelong fans, players, and volunteers. It also shows the challenges of ownership, from budgeting and squad building to stadium improvements and community programs. Reynolds' humour and warmth come through, but so does his respect for the club's traditions.
On the pitch, the progress has been remarkable. Wrexham returned to the English Football League in 2023 after winning the National League, then earned promotion to League One in 2024. The club continued to build and eventually reached the Championship, a significant achievement for a team with a modest historical footprint in the upper tiers. While promotions are never guaranteed, the direction of travel has given fans plenty of reason for optimism. The club's success has also boosted local tourism, merchandise sales, and global interest in Welsh soccer.
For Reynolds, co-ownership appears to be about legacy as much as entertainment. He has spoken about the responsibility of caring for an institution that means so much to its community. That means investing in infrastructure, supporting women's soccer, and creating opportunities for young people. Wrexham AFC's rise is not just a celebrity side project; it is a case study in how modern ownership can combine storytelling, commercial growth, and genuine local impact. For fans in Australia and beyond, it is a reminder that soccer clubs can be both ambitious and deeply rooted in place.
The Wrexham story is still unfolding. With Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm, the club has a global platform that few lower-league teams could imagine. Yet the focus remains on the same things that matter to supporters everywhere: strong teams, a welcoming matchday, and a club that gives back. Whether Wrexham ultimately reaches the Premier League or simply continues to grow sustainably, its co-owner era has already changed the conversation about what a soccer club can be. In a world of quick headlines, that is a quietly powerful achievement.