Wrexham AFC has officially secured its place in the Championship League with a stunning 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic FC at Racecourse Ground on April 26, 2025. This remarkable achievement marks the third consecutive promotion for the Red Dragons, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in English football. The win was celebrated passionately by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who were present at the match along with Reynolds' wife, actress Blake Lively.
The atmosphere was electric as Wrexham took the lead early in the match, with Ollie Rathbone scoring a brilliant goal in the 16th minute. Just two minutes later, the home team doubled their advantage when Matty James set up Sam Smith, who volleyed in from close range, sending the sell-out crowd of 12,774 into a frenzy. Wrexham sealed the deal with another goal from Smith, who found the net again with just under ten minutes remaining in the game. The jubilant fans stormed the pitch post-match, celebrating a historic moment for the club.
"It just seemed like an impossible dream," Reynolds remarked after the match, reflecting on the journey since he and McElhenney purchased the club for $2.5 million in 2020. "We said five years ago our goal was to make it to the Premier League. There were understandably a lot of laughs, but it feels like a thing that could make it to fruition right now." The Hollywood duo has transformed Wrexham from a struggling fifth-tier club into a team on the brink of the Premier League, earning them global recognition and a dedicated fanbase.
This promotion is particularly significant as Wrexham becomes the first club from the top five divisions of English football to achieve three consecutive promotions. The club's rise has been well documented in the FX docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham," which has chronicled the duo's efforts and the club's journey over the past few years. The fourth season of the series is set to premiere on May 15, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.
Wrexham's success this season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the team currently sitting second in the League One table, just behind champions Birmingham City. They have one game left to play this season, and the excitement surrounding the club has reached new heights.
As the team celebrates this significant achievement, Reynolds and McElhenney's vision for Wrexham continues to unfold. Their investment and passion for the club have not only revitalized the team but also brought a sense of pride to the local community in Wrexham, North Wales. The transformation of Wrexham AFC from an unfashionable club to a contender for the Premier League is a testament to the power of sports and the impact of dedicated ownership.
With the next season on the horizon, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Wrexham AFC. The prospect of reaching the Premier League is tantalizingly close, and the club's supporters are ready to rally behind their team as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their history.
