Soccer clubs, Hollywood's new craze
More and more celebrities are acquiring soccer teams, mostly in the lower leagues in the U.S. or England.
Multi-club ownership in football is becoming increasingly common, with groups like City Football Group owning multiple teams worldwide. Now, actors are making their mark as club owners.
The most well-known, high-profile case is that of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with Wrexham. The 'Deadpool' actor is deeply involved in the project. They have achieved two promotions in a row and are at the top of League One (3rd English division).
Wrexham's growth under Reynolds has not been simply on the field. The Welsh team's name is recognized worldwide and attracts millions of followers on social media. In addition, players from the team have appeared as actors in 'Deadpool'.
Reynolds, together with investor Tyles-Porter Group, acquired 19% of the shares of La Equidad, a Colombian team, in 2024. He shares a group with another Hollywood star: Eva Longoria.
The actress, born in Texas but with Mexican roots, acquired 50% of Necaxa in 2021 along with an investment group with celebrities such as Mesut Özil and Kate Upton. She often shares PHOTOs on social media in support of the team.
Another actor who owns a team is Matthew McConaughey. In 2019 he joined the ownership of Austin FC, from his native Texas, to fulfill the role of 'Minister of Culture' and ensure the team is aligned with the city's values.
Natalie Portman founded Angel City FC of the NWSL, the women's MLS, with two other women in 2022. To create it, she was inspired by the protests of the women's national team during the 2019 World Cup.
Although his most recognized facet is as a musician, Robbie Williams also has a career as an actor. The Briton has been a fan of Port Vale since he was a child. He has been the club's president since 2024 and is in the process of buying it.
Joe Russo, director of several films in the 'Avengers' saga, has also recently joined a club. His investment group has acquired Sheffield Wednesday and has joined the board of the blades, which last year played in the Premiership.
Comedian Drew Carey is owner and president of the Seattle Sounders of MLS. He fell in love with soccer watching an LA Galaxy game in 2003. He has copied the structure of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Members manage the team and elect the leadership.
Reese Witherspoon acquired, in 2022, along with her husband Jim Toth and Derrick Henry, a minority stake in Nashville SC, a team from the state of Tennessee, where the actress is from. It was created in 2012 and started in the fourth American division.
Rapper A$AP Rocky, husband of Rihanna, who intends to buy Tranmere Rovers of League Two (4th English division). The process was stalled as he was under investigation for shooting another rapper, ASAP Relli, but was found not guilty.
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