Wrexham AFC's Hollywood-fueled resurgence reached new heights on Friday as the Welsh club eliminated Premier League side Nottingham Forest with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory in the FA Cup. The dramatic win extends the fairytale narrative under actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who acquired the club in 2021.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonko emerged as the hero with two crucial shootout saves after a rollercoaster 120 minutes saw Wrexham squander a 3-1 lead. First-half goals from Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone were nearly undone by Forest's late comeback, with substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring twice – including an 89th-minute equalizer – before the decisive penalty drama.
The victory continues Wrexham's remarkable trajectory, having achieved three consecutive promotions since their celebrity takeover. Currently riding a four-game Championship winning streak, the club's focus now shifts to maintaining momentum in league play while Forest manager Sean Dyche faces scrutiny over his team's first-half performance, which he called "completely unacceptable."
This historic result marks another milestone for Wrexham's global fanbase, blending sporting achievement with cultural resonance as the club continues to capture international attention through its unique ownership story.
