Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of Wrexham, will be hoping his club can pull off a shock victory against Premier League side Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Red Dragons, currently competing in the Championship, will host the Blues at the Racecourse Ground in a highly anticipated match that could mark a significant step in the club’s rise.

Wrexham’s Ascent and Financial Milestones

Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired Wrexham in 2021, and since then, the club has achieved three consecutive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson. The Welsh club is now firmly targeting the Premier League, and this FA Cup clash against Chelsea serves as a glimpse into what could be a future regular occurrence.

The club’s valuation has surged to £350m, bolstered by the sale of a portion of the ownership to Apollo Sports Capital (ASC). Reynolds and McElhenney also recovered £15m in loans from the club earlier this year, showcasing their business acumen.

Reynolds’ net worth is estimated at between $400 million (£300m) and $448m (£336m), with a significant chunk of that wealth coming from his investments in Mint Mobile, which was acquired by T-Mobile in 2023. His stake in the company is believed to be worth over £200m.

Reynolds’ Acting Career and Wrexham’s Global Exposure

While Reynolds is best known for his acting career, his annual earnings from film projects are projected to be around £100m. He has also benefited from the success of the FX series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles the journey of Wrexham under his and McElhenney’s ownership. The show, available on Disney+, has brought global attention to the club and generated additional revenue streams for the co-owners.

Reynolds has been open about the challenges of running a football club, but his passion for Wrexham is evident. He has repeatedly emphasized the club’s unique identity and the joy of being part of its transformation.

Personal Life and Past Relationships

Reynolds is currently married to actress Blake Lively, with whom he shares four children. However, before Lively, he was married to Scarlett Johansson, with whom he shared a brief but high-profile marriage. The couple met shortly after Reynolds’ divorce from Alanis Morissette and married in 2008. Their marriage ended in 2011, and Reynolds has since remained largely private about the relationship.

Johansson, however, has spoken positively about Reynolds in recent interviews. During a 2023 episode of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop podcast, she described him as “a good guy.”

Disney FC Nickname and Wrexham’s Response

The nickname “Disney FC” has been used by critics to mock Wrexham’s branding, which includes parades, costumed characters, and a strong focus on fan engagement. Reynolds addressed the label in an episode of Welcome to Wrexham, acknowledging the similarities but emphasizing the club’s unique identity.

“We get it, there are similarities. We like parades, we like fans, we like costumed characters and merch. I could go on,” Reynolds said in the episode.

McElhenney, his co-owner, responded with characteristic humor: “We invite you all to come experience that magic with us through the tale of Disney FC. The rest of you jaded p can go f your f**** selves.”

The pair’s response to the nickname highlights their indifference to critics and their focus on Wrexham’s future. As the club prepares to face Chelsea, the spotlight remains firmly on the match and the potential for history.

The FA Cup clash against Chelsea is not just a test of Wrexham’s abilities but also a symbolic moment in the club’s journey. A victory could set the stage for further success, both in the league and in the cups.