Hollywood stars who struck their goal of owning football clubs

Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon among star-owners of clubs

Published: April 26, 2023 11:34 Washington Post and with inputs from Nilanjana Javed, Editorial Liaison Manager

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Celebrities investing in sports clubs is now commonplace whether it be cricket, football or other team sports. Here’s a look at some football clubs currently or once owned by famous stars. Above: Matthew McConaughey. Image Credit: insta/officiallymcconaughey

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Wrexham: Welsh soccer club Wrexham is owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The duo finalized their purchase of the Red Dragons - for a reported $2.5 million - in 2021. The buy kicked off an unlikely journey for a once-struggling team that has since drawn a bevy of celebrity supporters and become the subject of a Disney documentary. Image Credit: insta/ vancityreynolds

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Before Reynolds and McElhenney took over, the third-oldest professional soccer team club was in a low period, struggling financially and on the field. But the new owners hired Phil Parkinson as manager and poured money into fresh signings, including the forward Paul Mullin, who scored two of Wrexham's goals on Saturday. Sponsorship deals were signed with TikTok, Expedia and others. The team finished in second place last season, narrowly missing out on promotion. Above: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with friends. Image Credit: insta/ vancityreynolds

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Sir Elton John bought Watford FC in 1976, stewarding it from the fourth tier to the first. He later sold it, bought it back and then sold it again. Image Credit: insta/eltonjohn

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NBA legend LeBron James had a minority stake in Liverpool. Image Credit: Instagram/kingjames

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Eva Longoria and former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil are part of a consortium that owns a stake in Mexican club Necaxa. Image Credit: insta/ evalongoria

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The first women's soccer team based in Los Angeles in over a decade was co-founded by a group that includes actor Natalie Portman. Its star-studded investors list includes Longoria, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, actors Uzo Aduba and Jessica Chastain, and musician Christina Aguilera. Above: Natalie Portman. Image Credit: insta/natalieportman

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Louis Tomlinson of the boy band 'One Direction' has been a co-owner of this famous English football club Doncaster Rovers since 2014. Image Credit: insta/ louist91

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'Interstellar' star Matthew Mcconaughey has ownership stake in the football club Austin FC since 2021. Image Credit: insta/ officiallymcconaughey

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‘Legally Blonde’ star Reese Witherspoon has been an owner of Nashville SC, a key Major League competitor, since 2022. Image Credit: insta/ reesewitherspoon

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American musician and producer Diplo owns the top tier Phoenix Rising team. Image Credit: insta/diplo

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Hollywood stars who struck their goal of owning football clubs

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