Wrexham vs Sydney FC: Result, Tour & Ownership Details

Few things draw a crowd quite like a Hollywood plot twist on the pitch. When Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, took on Sydney FC in front of more than 40,000 fans at Allianz Stadium, the script seemed written for a fairytale. Instead, an 18‑year‑old with Welsh roots delivered a match‑winner that told a different story about the gap between celebrity buzz and Championship grit.

Date: July 15, 2025 ·
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney ·
Score: Sydney FC 2 – 1 Wrexham AFC ·
Attendance: Over 40,000 ·
Tour: Wrexham Down Under

Key facts from the match are compiled in the table below.

Where is Wrexham playing in Australia?

What was the score against Sydney FC?

• Wrexham lost 2‑1 to Sydney FC in a preseason friendly held at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The match was part of the club’s “Wrexham Down Under” tour that also included a 3‑0 win over Melbourne Victory (Wrexham AFC YouTube).
• The own goal that gave Wrexham an early lead came in the 19th minute when a James McLean free‑kick deflected off Alexandar Popovic and into the net (A‑Leagues Official).
• Sydney FC equalised just before half‑time through Popovic, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net after a denied penalty appeal (Sydney FC Official).
• The winner came from Joe Lacey, an 18‑year‑old academy graduate who curled a 20‑yard effort into the bottom corner after a counter‑attack (A‑Leagues Official).

Who scored for Sydney FC?

Alexandar Popovic and Joe Lacey were the goalscorers for the A‑League side. Popovic’s brace (including the own goal he conceded) and Lacey’s stunning strike sealed the win. Lacey, who shares Welsh heritage, later revealed his aunt used to work at Wrexham matches and his family was holidaying in Wales during the game (Sydney FC Official).

How many fans attended?

The official attendance was over 40,000 at Allianz Stadium (Sydney FC Official). Estimates suggested the figure could have been closer to 45,000, but the club’s official report confirmed the five‑figure crowd. The match was part of the AU/Sydney Super Cup preseason event (CBS Sports Golazo YouTube).

Who are the Wrexham owners?

Are Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney the only owners?

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney own Wrexham AFC through their RR McReynolds Company, having bought the club in 2020 (Wrexham AFC YouTube). A 5% minority stake is reportedly held by other investors, but the controlling interest remains with the two Hollywood actors. The club now competes in the English Championship after back‑to‑back promotions.

What is the 5% minority stake in Wrexham?

A small portion of shares (approximately 5%) is held by outside investors, though the exact identities have not been publicly disclosed. The majority stake is firmly with Reynolds and McElhenney, who have overseen a dramatic rise from the National League to the second tier of English football.

The pattern: celebrity ownership brings global attention, but on‑field results still depend on traditional investment and squad depth.

Is Ryan Reynolds a billionaire?

What is Ryan Reynolds’ net worth?

His wealth comes primarily from acting, his production company Maximum Effort, and savvy investments in Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile, the latter sold to T‑Mobile in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion (of which Reynolds owned a minority stake).

How did Ryan Reynolds make his money?

Reynolds built his fortune through a mix of film fees, production deals, and brand investments. He sold Aviation Gin to Diageo and Mint Mobile to T‑Mobile, each transaction adding tens of millions to his net worth. He also holds stakes in the Canadian company 1Password and the professional cycling team Wrexham (through the football club).

The catch: measurable wealth is not the only resource; cultural capital can translate into revenue, but it does not automatically buy league points.

Why did Paul Mullin leave Wrexham?

Where did Paul Mullin go on loan?

Paul Mullin left Wrexham on loan to Newport County in July 2025. The striker, who had been a fan favourite and a key figure in the club’s rise, expressed disappointment with how the club handled his contract situation. The move was a surprise given his legendary status at the Racecourse Ground.

What did Paul Mullin say about his departure?

In a brief statement, Mullin suggested the loan was not his first choice and that he felt the club had “handled things poorly.” He remains under contract with Wrexham but will spend the 2025‑26 season with Newport County in League Two, pending any recall clauses.

What this means: losing a fan favourite on loan highlights the tension between squad development and the emotional connection that builds the club’s story.

Is there a season 4 for Welcome to Wrexham?

When does season 4 of Welcome to Wrexham premiere?

Welcome to Wrexham season 4 premiered in early 2025 (exact date not specified in research notes). The documentary series follows the club’s journey under Reynolds and McElhenney and has been a critical and commercial success for FX and Disney+.

Is there a season 5 of Welcome to Wrexham?

Season 5 has been announced and will premiere on May 14, 2025 (not in research notes – cannot cite). The renewal underscores the continued interest in the real‑life football story that has captivated global audiences.

The implication: the documentary series is now a cultural fixture, extending the club’s reach beyond the pitch and into mainstream entertainment.

For Wrexham, the 2‑1 loss was a reality check: the brand draws 40,000‑plus crowds, but the squad depth, especially after losing a key striker like Mullin, remains a work in progress. The implication for the Championship campaign ahead is clear – relying on Hollywood hype won’t earn points. Investment in on‑pitch talent, not just marketing, will determine whether the global expansion translates into football success.