Wrexham AFC reached a historic milestone this Saturday by securing their promotion to the Championship, the second tier of English football, after defeating Charlton Athletic 3-0 at the STōK Cae Ras. Backed by their high-profile owners, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Welsh club continues to write one of football’s most inspiring stories.

From the Fifth Division to the Championship

Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over the club in 2020, Wrexham has seen a meteoric rise — climbing from the National League (fifth division) to now being just one step away from the Premier League.

Their emphatic victory against Charlton, featuring goals from Ollie Rathbone and a brace by Sam Smith, secured a second-place finish in League One and guaranteed direct promotion to the Championship, a feat the club had not achieved since the 1981/82 season.

Movie-Like Celebrations

The historic promotion sparked spectacular scenes. Thousands of fans stormed the pitch after the final whistle, while Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively celebrated from the stands. Later, Reynolds joined the supporters on the field, handing out drinks and taking pictures in the middle of the euphoric atmosphere.

The Hollywood star joked about the stress of the season and expressed deep excitement about the club's bright future.

Next Goal: The Premier League

With promotion to the Championship, Wrexham now stands just one step away from the top flight. The 2025/26 season, starting in August, promises to be the biggest challenge yet, and the club is already planning to strengthen the squad for their historic campaign.

Wrexham's remarkable journey continues to captivate fans worldwide — not only because of their celebrity owners but also thanks to the solid work on the field under head coach Phil Parkinson. The dream of reaching the Premier League now feels closer than ever.