Wrexham’s Ascent to Glory continues! After a 43-year absence, Wrexham AFC has triumphantly returned to English football’s second tier, the EFL Championship. This historic achievement is highlighted by three consecutive promotions. The Welsh club, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, secured their place in the Championship on April 26, 2025, with a decisive victory. Their journey, extensively covered by sources like Sky Sports and documented in the series “Welcome to Wrexham,” represents a remarkable chapter in the club’s storied history.
Triumph at the Racecourse Ground
The promotion was sealed with a resounding 3-0 home victory over Charlton Athletic at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, Wales, as reported by the English Football League (EFL). According to NBC Sports, this remarkable ascent makes Wrexham the first team in English football history to achieve three successive promotions within the top five divisions. The atmosphere was electric as the team secured their place in the Championship.
Decisive Match Details
Managed by Phil Parkinson, Wrexham finished second in League One during the 2024-25 season. The decisive match against Charlton Athletic saw goals from Ollie Rathbone and a double from Sam Smith, igniting celebrations among the loyal fanbase and their celebrity owners, who were present to witness the momentous occasion. The Oberlin Review noted the palpable excitement among fans who have waited decades for this level of success. This latest success follows their League Two promotion in the 2023-24 season and their National League title win in 2022-23, propelling them from the fifth tier to the second in just three years.
The Reynolds and McElhenney Effect
The driving force behind this unprecedented rise is the significant financial investment and strategic vision introduced after actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the club in 2020. According to Sports Illustrated, their ambition was to guide Wrexham up the English football league system. This journey has been likened to a “Hollywood movie” and is documented in the popular series “Welcome to Wrexham.”
Strategic Vision and Investment
Reynolds and McElhenney’s acquisition brought not only financial stability but also a global spotlight to the club. Their commitment to improving the team, infrastructure, and community has been instrumental in Wrexham’s success. Fox Sports highlighted the positive impact of their ownership on the morale and performance of the team.
Championship Campaign: A New Challenge
Wrexham began their 2025-26 Championship campaign on August 9, 2025, with an away fixture against Southampton at St. Mary’s. As Yahoo Sports reported, the return to the second tier was a proud moment, but their first match resulted in a challenging 2-1 defeat to Southampton, despite a debut goal from new signing Josh Windass.
Adjusting to the Championship
The club has reportedly invested heavily in new signings, including Nathan Broadhead, to bolster their squad and adjust to the stronger competition in the Championship. According to Dailymotion, these investments reflect Wrexham’s commitment to establishing themselves in the league and competing at a higher level. The team recognizes the need to strengthen their roster to face the challenges of the Championship.
Dreams Realized, Ambitions Set Higher
The impact of this promotion is profound, fulfilling a long-held dream for players and supporters alike. As stated by Wikipedia, the club now aims to establish itself in the Championship and potentially set its sights on the Premier League in the future. The journey from the National League to the Championship has been nothing short of extraordinary, and Wrexham is determined to continue their upward trajectory.
Wrexham’s remarkable ascent exemplifies the power of strategic investment, dedicated management, and unwavering fan support. From their Hollywood owners to the players on the pitch, the collective ambition is fueling a new era of success for the club. As they navigate the challenges of the Championship, Wrexham’s story continues to captivate the world of football.
