It’s finally sunny in Wrexham, Wales, where the long-beleaguered soccer club has won itself promotion to a higher league — to the jubilation of actors and co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The actors shelled out $2.5 million for Wrexham AFC — a Welsh soccer team that had been relegated by regularly dismal play and disinvestment to a fifth-tier league for 15 years — and documented their efforts in an FX Network show called “Welcome to Wrexham.”
Reynolds, whose business interests include tequila and the recently sold Mint Mobile and “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star McElhenney were on hand for the team’s historic 3-1 win against Boreham Wood on Saturday.
They even brought fellow actor Paul Rudd along for the ride, with the “Ant-Man” star mingling with fans outside the arena and drinking at the local pub.
Once the final horn sounded and victory was assured, Reynolds and McElhenney shared a long embrace, and McElhenny appeared to wipe away tears as fans around them erupted in thunderous cheers and raced onto the field to celebrate.
It took at least two seasons for the club, which saw an explosion in season ticket sales after their celebrity co-owners brought in new players, a new coach, worldwide recognition and big-name sponsorships like TikTok and Expedia, to reach its goal.
The A-list owners, who were beloved in the small town after buying the club, made their way onto the field as the celebrations unfolded and were photographed kissing the trophy.