‘I hate retiring this jacket’ – Ryan Reynolds sends emotional message to Wrexham fans after final day of League One season
Introduction
“I hate retiring this jacket” – Ryan Reynolds sends emotional message to Wrexham fans after final day of League One season. These were the words that echoed across social media as the co-owner of Wrexham AFC paid tribute to the club’s remarkable season and passionate fanbase. In an emotional video posted shortly after the final whistle of the League One season, Reynolds opened up about his connection to the club, the city, and what this journey has meant to him.
In this article, we break down everything surrounding Reynolds’ heartfelt message, Wrexham’s extraordinary season, and what comes next. We’ll also explore how the club’s rise under Hollywood ownership is shaping the future of lower-league football in the UK.
Quick Wiki Data Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Wrexham AFC |
| League Finish | 2nd in EFL League One |
| Promotion Status | Promoted to EFL Championship |
| Owners | Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney |
| Viral Quote | “I hate retiring this jacket” |
| Jacket Symbolism | Represents Reynolds’ emotional connection to the team |
| Message Medium | Video posted on Wrexham’s official X (Twitter) account |
| Fan Reaction | Overwhelming support and emotional tributes online |
| Next Season Outlook | Championship football returns to the Racecourse Ground |
The Message That Broke the Internet
When Ryan Reynolds posted the now-iconic message—“I hate retiring this jacket” – Ryan Reynolds sends emotional message to Wrexham fans after final day of League One season—it wasn’t just about clothing. The jacket had become symbolic of his journey with the club: from the chaos of National League matches to the triumph of back-to-back promotions.
In his message, Reynolds said:
“This jacket has seen it all. The wins, the tears, the laughter, and the moments we’ll never forget. I hate retiring it, but I love what’s next.”
The sentiment resonated globally, not just with Wrexham fans but with football lovers across the world.
H2: “I Hate Retiring This Jacket” – Ryan Reynolds Sends Emotional Message to Wrexham Fans After Final Day of League One Season
This wasn’t a PR stunt. Ryan Reynolds has made a point of engaging with Wrexham fans in genuine, unscripted ways. From pub visits to matchday chants, he’s immersed himself in the culture. That authenticity is why this emotional message carried so much weight.
Fans immediately recognized the emotional depth behind his words. It was a rare, sincere moment in modern football ownership—a declaration of love not for the brand, but for the community.
Wrexham’s Journey: From Non-League to the Championship
Wrexham’s rise has been nothing short of cinematic. Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over in 2020, the club has undergone a transformation:
- 2022/23: Won the National League in dramatic fashion.
- 2023/24: Consolidated in League Two, earning promotion.
- 2024/25: Finished 2nd in League One, securing promotion to the Championship.
Their story has transcended football, featured in the Disney+ docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, and turned a struggling lower-league club into a global brand rooted in local pride.
H2: Symbolism Behind “I Hate Retiring This Jacket” – A Fan’s Perspective
The quote “I hate retiring this jacket” – Ryan Reynolds sends emotional message to Wrexham fans after final day of League One season became more than just a caption—it became a movement.
Wrexham fans began posting photos of their own jackets worn through seasons of heartbreak and hope. Social media was flooded with stories, memories, and fan-made artwork inspired by the jacket. For a club built on community spirit, this symbolism resonated deeply.
It also set the tone for the club’s next chapter: sentimental but forward-facing.
Player Highlights of the Season
The 2024/25 League One season was packed with standout performances. Here are the key contributors:
- Paul Mullin: 26 goals, Golden Boot contender, cult hero status.
- Elliot Lee: Midfield maestro, known for clutch assists.
- Ben Tozer: Captain and leader, organized Wrexham’s resilient backline.
- Arthur Okonkwo: On-loan goalkeeper who provided match-saving moments.
The combination of star performances and squad unity made promotion not just a possibility but a probability.
External Reactions: From Hollywood to Hometown
Reynolds’ message was picked up by major outlets like:
- BBC Sport
- Sky Sports Football
- The Guardian
- The Athletic
Even celebrities chimed in. Hugh Jackman posted, “Retiring jackets? That’s tough. But the story you’re writing is tougher. Congrats @Wrexham_AFC!”
It was a fitting close to a season that blurred the lines between sport and storytelling.
H3: The Business Side – What the Jacket Really Means
From a branding standpoint, Reynolds’ “jacket” quote might become a merchandising goldmine. Limited edition replica jackets are already rumored to be in production, with fans eager to get their hands on one. Wrexham’s marketing team, known for its sharp campaigns, is expected to launch a full apparel line inspired by the moment.
The blend of emotional authenticity and commercial savvy is what makes the club’s Hollywood ownership so effective.
The Road Ahead: Championship and Beyond
The EFL Championship is a new battlefield entirely. Bigger clubs, larger budgets, and more competitive fixtures await Wrexham. But with momentum on their side and a global fanbase behind them, the club is well-positioned for success.
Reynolds and McElhenney have already indicated plans to strengthen the squad, invest in infrastructure, and continue telling the club’s story on and off the pitch.
FAQs
Why did Ryan Reynolds say “I hate retiring this jacket”?
The jacket symbolizes his emotional attachment to Wrexham’s League One journey. “Retiring” it marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of another as the club moves into the Championship.
What league is Wrexham promoted to?
Wrexham has been promoted to the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.
Will Wrexham release a jacket similar to Ryan Reynolds’?
Though not confirmed, rumors suggest a limited-edition jacket may be released to commemorate the moment.
What is next for Wrexham AFC?
The club is set to compete in the EFL Championship for the 2025/26 season, with expectations of further investment and continued success.
Conclusion: “I Hate Retiring This Jacket” – A Legacy in the Making
“I hate retiring this jacket” – Ryan Reynolds sends emotional message to Wrexham fans after final day of League One season isn’t just a quote—it’s a reflection of what football can still mean in a corporate age. Heartfelt. Personal. Real.
As Wrexham heads into the Championship, it does so not just with wins, but with stories. And at the heart of it all is a man in a jacket who never expected to fall in love with a football club—and yet, absolutely did.