In a clash of celebrity-owned football clubs, Tom Brady's Birmingham City emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham on September 16, 2024. The match, which took place in Birmingham, showcased the growing influence of high-profile figures in lower-tier British football.
The encounter between the EFL Championship side and the League Two team began with an unexpected twist. Wrexham, the oldest club in Wales founded in 1864, stunned the home crowd by scoring in the third minute. However, Birmingham City, established in 1875 and one of England's oldest clubs, responded with three unanswered goals to secure the win.
Wrexham supporters made their presence felt, directing a bold chant at Brady. The traveling fans loudly questioned, "Who the f---ing hell are you?" The former NFL quarterback, who retired in 2023 after a 23-year career, responded with a casual thumbs-up, demonstrating his ability to handle the passionate atmosphere of English football.
Prior to the match, McElhenney shared a photograph on social media featuring himself and Brady in a pre-game "stare down," highlighting the friendly rivalry between the celebrity owners. This interaction added to the build-up, which included McElhenney's earlier tweet introducing NFL legend Eli Manning as a Wrexham supporter – a playful jab at Brady, given their past rivalry in American football.
The star power extended beyond the pitch, with former England captain David Beckham observed in the stands alongside Brady. Beckham, who owns Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, added another layer of celebrity presence to the event.
This match exemplifies the increasing intersection of entertainment and sports, with Reynolds and McElhenney's purchase of Wrexham in 2020 and Brady's minority stake acquisition in Birmingham City in August 2023 bringing global attention to these historic clubs. The "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary series has further amplified interest in the Welsh team.
While Birmingham City competes in the highly competitive EFL Championship, with its promotion system offering a path to the Premier League, Wrexham plays in League Two. Despite the difference in league standings, both clubs boast significant history, with Wrexham's Racecourse Ground holding the distinction of being the world's oldest international football stadium still in use.
As celebrity ownership continues to shape the landscape of lower league football, matches like this not only provide entertainment but also bring increased visibility to clubs with rich heritage in the English and Welsh football pyramids.