Ryan Reynolds Rules Out More Football Club Acquisitions, Prioritizes Family and Authentic Connection
Ryan Reynolds, the Canadian actor best known for his role as Deadpool, and co-owner of the Welsh football club AFC Wrexham, has firmly stated that he has no immediate plans to acquire any further football clubs. Speaking with humor at the OMR digital and marketing trade fair in Hamburg, Reynolds quipped, "Oh, no. I would like to stay married. So no, no more football clubs," suggesting his wife might not appreciate another time-consuming and financially demanding venture.
Reynolds’ foray into football club ownership alongside actor Rob McElhenney has been remarkably successful. The pair acquired AFC Wrexham in 2021 for $2.5 million. Since then, the club has experienced a meteoric rise, ascending from the fifth tier of English football to the second in just a few years. This achievement is not just a sporting success story but also a testament to the power of strategic investment, community engagement, and a genuine passion for the sport.
Reynolds emphasized that his involvement with Wrexham is primarily driven by passion rather than financial gain. "It’s not about money. It’s about fun and togetherness," he explained. He further admitted that he has no clear idea how much the club is currently worth, highlighting that his focus remains on the community impact and the joy of the sport.
Beyond his football club ventures, Reynolds has consistently demonstrated shrewd business acumen. He has built a brand around his playful online persona and strategic partnerships, successfully marketing everything from gin to mobile phone services. This savvy approach has established him as a significant force in the entrepreneurial world.
As a keynote speaker at OMR, Reynolds shared his insights on digital marketing and his experiences in the world of entertainment and business. He touched on his conflicted feelings about social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. While he acknowledges their power in connecting with audiences and promoting his projects, he also expressed concerns about their potential negative impact, especially on young people.
"I worry about kids. I have three daughters. I worry about body image issues and things like that you see," he said. Reynolds specifically cited the projection of perfection as a significant problem with social media. "Perfection is a damned disease. People are so afraid to fail that they don’t even try. You have to be willing to fail to be good."
This sentiment resonates with the actor’s own career trajectory. Reynolds has been open about his early struggles in Hollywood and the many rejections he faced before achieving mainstream success. His willingness to take risks and embrace failure has undoubtedly contributed to his current status as a leading actor and entrepreneur.
Despite his reservations, Reynolds recognizes the positive aspects of social media. He spoke of the unique ability these platforms have to connect him with people and provide him with meaningful stories. He shared a touching anecdote about an elderly man who contacted him via Twitter. The man had kept his grandfather’s helmet and officer’s cap for decades and wished to return them to Reynolds, a gesture deeply appreciated by the actor.
"I met this old man in Berlin. He gave me my grandfather’s helmet and his officer’s cap. That meant a lot to me. We can derive value from that," Reynolds explained. This experience exemplifies the power of social media to foster genuine human connection and create unexpected opportunities for sharing and remembrance.
Reynolds’ pragmatic approach to social media showcases a balanced perspective. He acknowledges the potential dangers of curated perfection and the pressures it places on individuals, especially young people. At the same time, he recognizes the platforms’ ability to facilitate authentic interactions, create value, and connect people across vast distances.
His commitment to family and community is evident in his decision to prioritize his marriage over further football club acquisitions. While his ambition and entrepreneurial spirit are undeniable, he clearly values the importance of personal relationships and a healthy work-life balance. This makes him a relatable figure, despite his Hollywood status.
His tenure as co-owner of AFC Wrexham continues to be a compelling example of how passion, investment, and community engagement can create a lasting impact. While he may not be expanding his football club portfolio in the near future, his influence on the sport and his dedication to the Wrexham community are sure to continue to grow.
Reynolds’ comments at the OMR event offer a valuable glimpse into his multifaceted personality and his approach to life and business. He is a savvy entrepreneur, a dedicated family man, and a passionate advocate for authentic connection. His story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to balance professional success with personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships. His emphasis on the importance of embracing failure and pursuing genuine passions provides a powerful message in an increasingly competitive and image-conscious world.
