The Rise Of Wrexham AFC: How Hollywood Owners Turned A Sleeping Giant Into A Football Fairytale
Let’s be real, five years ago, if you said Wrexham would become one of the most talked-about football clubs in the world, you’d probably get laughed out of the pub. But fast forward to 2025, and here we are: Wrexham AFC isn’t just relevant, it’s thriving.

Let’s be real, five years ago, if you said Wrexham would become one of the most talked-about football clubs in the world, you’d probably get laughed out of the pub. But fast forward to 2025, and here we are: Wrexham AFC isn’t just relevant, it’s thriving.
A Club Reborn
Wrexham AFC, founded in 1864, is one of the oldest football clubs in the world. For decades, it simmered in the shadows of the footballing elite, grappling with financial woes, management missteps, and a frustrated fanbase. But then, in walked two unexpected saviours: Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
And no, this wasn’t just a PR stunt.
From Sitcoms to Stadiums
When Reynolds and McElhenney took over in 2020, many thought it was just another celebrity pet project. But these guys weren’t messing around. They didn’t just buy a club, they invested in a community.

From overhauling training facilities to injecting fresh cash into the squad, they’ve done what many owners promise but few deliver: tangible change. The players are better, the stadium is alive again, and most importantly, the fans are finally dreaming big.
The Meteoric Rise
Under their leadership, Wrexham earned third back-to-back promotions, first breaking out of the National League and now standing 2nd in League One with a guaranteed place in the Championship. That’s not just rare, it’s borderline mythical in English football terms.
And what’s fuelling that rise? A smart blend of solid football decisions and global media exposure.
- Strategic signings (yes, Paul Mullin was a masterstroke)
- Top-tier staff and analytics teams
- Behind-the-scenes transparency via their hit docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham”
It’s not just about goals, it’s about branding, belief, and backing it up on the pitch.
A Global Fanbase
Here’s where it gets wild: Wrexham now has fans in the U.S., Asia, Africa, you name it. Jersey sales are through the roof, match streams are pulling serious numbers, and the club has become a blueprint for how to blend football with entertainment.
More Than Just Owners
Let’s give credit where it’s due, Ryan and Rob didn’t just throw money at the problem. They listened, they learned, and they led. They became part of the town, regularly engaging with fans and local businesses. This isn’t a side hustle, it’s a mission.
And it’s working.
The rise of Wrexham AFC is a reminder that football, at its core, is about community, ambition, and a bit of magic. With owners who genuinely care and a team hungry for more, this is one fairytale that’s far from over.
If you’re not keeping an eye on Wrexham yet, now’s the time. Because the next chapter? It might just be the biggest one yet.
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