Wrexham AFC is the oldest professional football club in Wales and the third oldest in the world. But years of mismanagement, financial woes, dwindling fan support, and little to no investment sent the club into an ugly downward spiral, even leaving it on the brink of complete collapse. Then, out of nowhere, two Hollywood jokesters, Ryan Reynolds
and Rob McElhenney, swooped in and changed the league forever. But where did it all begin? For Ryan Reynolds, it was his love for soccer, that started way back in his childhood.
Reynolds recently shared what first got him hooked on the sport. And as it turns out, it was his father who planted the seed for what would one day become this incredible underdog story.
Ryan Reynolds talks about the starting point of his love for sports
Ryan Reynolds recently sat down with Men in Blazers
for a chat about his greatest success story— Wrexham, the football club he co-owns. Known for his passion for soccer, Reynolds was asked how he first fell in love with the sport. Reynolds fondly reminisced about how his dad, who “placed so much value
” on sports, turned him into a kid with an “unquenchable thirst”
for his father’s validation. “I would lead with my head to take someone out,
” Reynolds laughed, recalling his rough-and-tumble childhood.
Back then, Reynolds played Canadian football, a bit different from the American version. From being dragged across the field and vomiting as a kid to transforming Wrexham from a $2.5 million club into an estimated $30 million team, Reynolds’ journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. And it is this very narrative—the underdog story turned into international success—that, according to Reynolds, has made Wrexham’s charm even more irresistible.
Reynolds, during the conversation, shared how the club’s rise from obscurity has made people feel seen on a global scale.
Ryan Reynolds explains what makes Wrexham AFC so special to its fan
Wrexham AFC’s success was not just about football; it also brought a lot of attention to the small Welsh town. This led to a sense of community revival around the club. Ryan Reynolds admitted that the league, with its hard work, managed to hit the right note, letting people see themselves in the team’s success story. “Nothing is more romantic and powerful in terms of storytelling than sports,
” he said.
Reynolds also pointed out how “unforgiving
” the sports world can be, and he believes it is only by “being honest
” that Wrexham AFC can keep its momentum going. Beyond the emotional connection, the club’s sponsorships and the success of Welcome to Wrexham
have all helped the league’s rise. And it is safe to say that one small nudge from Reynolds’ dad has led to the rebirth of the National League giant.
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