**Blake Lively Pays Emotional Tribute to Husband Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Wrexham’s Historic Promotion**
Hollywood actress Blake Lively has shared her profound admiration for her husband Ryan Reynolds, co-owner Rob McElhenney, and the entire Wrexham community, following the football club’s dramatic rise to the Championship. The momentous occasion, marking a third consecutive promotion for the North Wales side, has caught the imagination of football fans worldwide and added an emotional chapter to the Wrexham AFC ownership story.
Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at the STōK Cae Ras saw Wrexham secure second place in League One, guaranteeing them automatic promotion to the Championship for the 2025/26 season. This unprecedented achievement marked the club’s third successive promotion since Hollywood duo Reynolds and McElhenney took control in 2021, transforming Wrexham from a non-league side into an emerging football powerhouse.
Blake Lively, most famed for her role in “Gossip Girl”, attended the match to support Reynolds, joining thousands of ecstatic supporters as the final whistle prompted a mass pitch invasion and unforgettable celebrations. Capturing the touching atmosphere, Lively shared photos of the jubilant scenes on social media. She posted an image of Reynolds and McElhenney embracing on the pitch, offering heartfelt words that reflected not only her pride but also her deep sense of connection with Wrexham and its people.
“Back to back to back. History was made. Congratulations to @wrexham_afc,” she wrote to her 44 million Instagram followers. “I will never forget the love and elation in that town today. Thank you for sharing it with us always.” Lively’s tribute continued, “And to these two men, @robmcelhenney & @vancityreynolds … the love and respect that pours out of you each and together exponentially grows and creates more joy, more possibilities, more magic, more history. This picture feels to me like a painting of all you do for so many, while being so present and appreciative of every moment.”
Her post comes in the wake of an equally moving message from Reynolds himself, who reflected on the club’s meteoric journey and the unique character of Wrexham. The “Deadpool” actor recounted the early days of ownership, recalling how their stated ambition of reaching the Premier League was originally met with disbelief. “People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane … but we weren’t kidding,” Reynolds remarked.
He went on to describe his genuine affection for the club and community, noting, “I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history. From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was.”
Reynolds further praised the efforts of manager Phil Parkinson, the coaching staff, and key players like Paul Mullin, Max Cleworth, and Arthur Okonkwo for their pivotal roles in the club’s success. He singled out the unwavering dedication of the local supporters and the collective spirit that has become a hallmark of Wrexham’s resurgence. “The stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars and some regulars depart us for good. We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field,” he noted.
The actor also highlighted poignant moments from his ownership, including helping prevent match postponements and witnessing the community’s resilience. “Somebody said the Welsh have the ‘heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter’. That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham. Diolch.” With these words, Reynolds articulated the profound bond between the football club, its fans, and the wider community.
The sense of unity and pride in Wrexham’s achievement has transcended the football pitch, inspiring those far beyond North Wales. As the club prepares for the challenges of Championship football, this latest chapter underscores the extraordinary journey of a team revitalised by passion, ambition, and unfaltering belief – proving once again that football’s magic lies not just in silverware, but in forging lasting human connections.