The co-owner of Wrexham AFC, actor Ryan Reynolds, shared a strong, unfiltered reaction to his team being drawn against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round. The event has drawn attention due to the prominence of both Reynolds and the competing clubs in the football world.
Unveiling the Matchup
On Monday night, the draw for the FA Cup fifth round placed Wrexham against Chelsea. This pairing immediately captured public interest, highlighting a significant match for the Welsh club. Ryan Reynolds, a prominent figure in film and now football ownership, was reportedly present for the draw's proceedings.
Reynolds' Emotional Response
Witnesses observed Reynolds displaying a visibly strong emotional reaction to the draw. A video shared on social media depicted him next to fellow actor Hugh Jackman, reacting with surprise and what has been described as an "X-rated" response.
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Timing: The reaction occurred as the draw was being broadcast live.
Setting: Reynolds was with Hugh Jackman, watching the draw unfold on a device.
Nature of Reaction: Reports indicate the reaction was one of astonishment and expressed with expletives.
Wrexham's Recent FA Cup History
This FA Cup draw follows a period of notable performances by Wrexham in the competition. In January 2026, Wrexham secured an unexpected victory over Nottingham Forest.
Previous Fixture: Wrexham played Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.
Outcome: Wrexham achieved a victory against the Championship side.
Reynolds' Presence: During the match against Nottingham Forest, Reynolds was observed performing a pre-match ritual of collecting grass from the pitch. However, reports suggest he may have missed a crucial goal during that game, leading to his absence from the immediate celebration.
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Further illustrating Wrexham's unpredictable journey, the team previously advanced in the Carabao Cup in August 2023 against Wigan Athletic, requiring a penalty shootout. This result prompted Reynolds to tweet a comment likening the experience to an "Aliens movie."
The Club's Trajectory
Ryan Reynolds, along with co-owner Rob McElhenney, has overseen a significant period of development for Wrexham AFC. Their ownership has been marked by investment and a stated ambition to move the club up through the football leagues. This rise has been documented in the series "Welcome to Wrexham."
Investment: The ownership has involved significant player acquisition.
League Progression: Wrexham has seen promotion through the leagues during their tenure.
Public Profile: The club's profile has been elevated through the owners' celebrity status and associated media.
Analysis of the Draw and Reaction
The FA Cup draw presents a considerable challenge for Wrexham, pitting them against a team from a higher tier of English football. Reynolds' unvarnished reaction underscores the high stakes and excitement associated with such a fixture. It also aligns with a pattern of passionate and expressive engagement with Wrexham's performances.
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Stark Contrast: The draw highlights the difference in league standing between Wrexham and Chelsea.
Owner Engagement: Reynolds' public reactions, whether celebratory or expressive of shock, are a recurring theme in his involvement with the club.
Potential Implications: The upcoming match is anticipated to be a significant event for Wrexham, offering an opportunity to test their progress against a top-tier opponent.
Conclusion
The FA Cup fifth-round draw has set a prominent stage for Wrexham AFC, with their upcoming match against Chelsea. Ryan Reynolds' immediate and robust reaction to the pairing has amplified the attention surrounding the fixture. This event is situated within Wrexham's ongoing narrative of ambition and visible passion under its celebrity ownership, a narrative underscored by past FA Cup successes and the owners' direct engagement with the club's journey.
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Sources:
standard.co.uk - Standard.co.uk reported on Ryan Reynolds' reaction to the Wrexham vs. Chelsea FA Cup draw, published shortly after the event.
sportbible.com - Sportbible.com covered a pre-match ritual performed by Ryan Reynolds before Wrexham's FA Cup match against Nottingham Forest.
thesun.co.uk - The Sun reported on Ryan Reynolds' reaction to Wrexham's FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, noting his absence during a key moment.
the-express.com - The-Express.com documented a humorous, expletive-laden tweet by Ryan Reynolds following Wrexham's Carabao Cup progression via penalty shootout.
nytimes.com - The New York Times' athletic section published an analysis of Wrexham's memorable FA Cup win against Nottingham Forest, detailing the significance of the victory during the "Hollywood era."
