Ryan Reynolds proud of progress after Wrexham exit in FA Cup
Wrexham lost to Chelsea and fell just short of a return to the FA Cup quarterfinals in extra time but co-owner Ryan Reynolds heaped praise on his side.
It was another memorable night for Wrexham AFC who gave Chelsea a fight until the end in the fifth round of the FA Cup. It´s been a rapid rise up the English football ladder and co-chairman Ryan Reynolds couldn’t be more proud of his club.
Reynolds hails clubs progress
The Red Dragons took the early lead with a Sam Smith goal in the 18th minute but that was countered by the Blues after a Alejandro Garnacho shot was cleared off the line but bounced of keeper Arthur Okonkwo who was credited with an own goal. Each side scored in the second half to push the match to extra time and Garnacho sealed it with a goal in the 96th minute and Joao Pedro banged another home for insurance.
Wrexham’s run in the FA Cup has come to an end, but Reynolds was quick to point out the rapid ascendency of this club. “Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today,” said the “Deadpool” star on X.
Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 7, 2026
Both Reynolds and fellow actor and chairman Rob McElhenney invested back in 2020 and the club has climbed up the ladder into the Championship. On top of the financial backing, Wrexham have exploded on to the world football stage thanks to their A-List owners and a docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham.”
Focus back on promotion push
The two actors turned club owners took over a club in the National League back in 2020 and three years later they were promoted to League Two. A second successive promotion would carry them to the third division in English football, and after a second place finish they were promoted to the Championship after a third straight promotion season.
This is the highest Wrexham have ever been in the football ladder in England and they are making a strong push to make their debut in the Premier League next year. The Red Dragons are currently sixth in the table and if they continue in the top six they will have a chance to reach the top tier league through a playoff.
Tonight’s performance at Racecourse Ground has proven that Wrexham could hang with the top teams in the Premier League, if they were to complete an incredible rise to the top of English football. After the loss to Chelsea they set their sights on a crucial battle as they host fifth placed Hull on Tuesday.
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