Wrexham AFC has made history by securing a third consecutive promotion, rising from non-league football to the Championship in just three seasons. The club, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, celebrated this remarkable achievement after a convincing 3-0 victory against Charlton Athletic at the STok Racecourse on April 26, 2025. This win was made even sweeter as it came after Wycombe Wanderers' 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient, which allowed Wrexham to clinch the promotion with a game to spare.
Since their takeover in 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have transformed Wrexham's fortunes, investing £2 million and rallying support from the club's dedicated fanbase, which includes 2,000 members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust. The duo's hands-on approach has brought a new level of attention to the club, which had been out of the Football League for 15 years before their arrival.
After the match, both Reynolds and McElhenney expressed their gratitude and joy during a post-game interview. Reynolds emphasized the importance of the entire Wrexham community, stating, "There are so many people here that don't get the credit they deserve. People are here every day, the stewards, the supporters, the media team, the coaches, everyone keeping the players safe. People who are not talked about, not sung about but actually keep the entire thing going and we have so much love for them."
McElhenney echoed this sentiment, describing the team as "the greatest dressing room in sports, in any category, I've ever seen before." He praised the unity and passion of the players and the community, saying, "This community, I'm speechless with their passion and emotion." The co-owners also paid tribute to manager Phil Parkinson, highlighting the easy job they have compared to the hard work of the players and coaching staff.
As the team celebrated their promotion, Reynolds humorously remarked on the emotional toll the season had taken on him, saying, "If you want to see what it means to them, go into the dressing room after a loss, nothing can console them. Rob dancing, me dancing definitely that's going to hurt some eyes. That's where you see the grit and the metal these players have. It means everything." The duo concluded their interview by dropping their microphones in unison, a playful gesture that encapsulated their excitement.
Leading up to this monumental match, Reynolds had flown into Wales with his wife, Blake Lively, to support the team. The couple was seen engaging with fans and soaking in the atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground. Their presence was a testament to their commitment to the club and its supporters. Reynolds even joked about the stress of the promotion chase, revealing at the TIME100 Summit that he was dealing with an "eight-inch ulcer" due to the pressure of the season.
Wrexham's journey to the Championship has not only been a sporting success but also a financial one. Failing to achieve promotion could have cost the club around $133 million, adding another layer of intensity to the match against Charlton. The stakes were high, and with the support of their Hollywood owners, the players delivered when it mattered most.
McElhenney's motivational speech before a crucial match against Blackpool was also pivotal in boosting team morale. Midfielder George Dobson recounted how McElhenney encouraged the players to embrace the joy of the game, saying, "It was unbelievable. [He] just said there's no pressure whatsoever, just go back to that 12-year-old boy and play as you would as a kid with your friends. It was a really inspirational, motivational speech and the whole group really bought into it."
As the season progressed, Wrexham faced various challenges, but their resilience shone through. The team has consistently shown determination, and their recent performances have solidified their place among the top teams in League One. The passion of the fans and the dedication of the players have created an electric atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground, making it a fortress for Wrexham.
In the lead-up to the match, Charlton's Welsh manager Nathan Jones made headlines by describing Wrexham as "a circus" under their Hollywood ownership. This comment sparked a response from Wrexham's manager Phil Parkinson, who defended the club's rich history and the respect it deserves. Parkinson stated, "The comments lacked respect, I don't think we can hide away from that. Not just for our current owners, players, staff and supporters, but the lack of understanding of the history of this great football club."
With the dust settling on this historic promotion, Wrexham fans can look forward to a new chapter in the club's history as they prepare to compete in the Championship next season. The journey from non-league to the second tier of English football is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of everyone involved with Wrexham AFC. As Reynolds and McElhenney continue to champion their club, the future looks bright for Wrexham, and the excitement among fans is palpable.
The celebrations following the victory against Charlton were a sight to behold, with players and supporters alike reveling in the achievement. Wrexham's rise has captivated the football world, and as they prepare for life in the Championship, one thing is certain: the journey is just beginning.
