Will Ferrell 'buys large stake' in Leeds United as Ryan Reynolds influence clear

Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Will Ferrell has become the latest Hollywood star to invest in English football, with the revered comedy actor acquiring a "large stake" in Leeds United.

The Anchorman star is set to be unveiled as a shareholder in the Elland Road club in the coming days, according to The Sun. Ferrell, who has attended several games in England over the years, is said to have fallen in love with Leeds, becoming a fan as well as holding a business interest.

Ferrell follows in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have transformed the fortunes of Wrexham since buying the North Wales club in 2020. Black Panther and Creed star Michael B Jordan is another American actor who has dived into English football, joining the ownership group of Bournemouth in 2022.

Leeds are owned by 49ers Enterprises, the strategic arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers, and the organisation has welcomed investment from a long list of celebrities. Ferrell will join the likes of golf stars Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook and Hollywood legend Russell Crowe as an investor in Leeds.

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds described Wrexham's first EFL game as a 'funeral' before turning season around

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"It's true, Will Ferrell owns a share of Leeds," an insider told The Sun. "The 49ers will be announcing his involvement in the coming days and he's looking forward to sprinkling a little stardust on the club.

"He loves soccer and has been particularly impressed by the passion of the English game. And his aim now is to see Leeds back where they belong — in the Premier League. As far as Will and the 49ers are concerned, this is a serious investment opportunity."

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Ferrell supports Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC and previously said he did not support any particular club in England, but admitted he was fascinated by the Premier League and its storylines. He has also shown his support for Wrexham, sitting with Reynolds and David Beckham at the FA Trophy final in 2022 as the Red Dragons were beaten by Bromley and clearly had a first-hand view of ownership in English soccer given his friendship with Reynolds.

Ferrell has previously joked about football club ownership, sharing a laugh with former Aston Villa star Jack Grealish after meeting him at a Manchester City game. Ferrell said: "Great to meet my new British friend Jack Grealish at the Etihad today. He told me to buy Birmingham City and to get them relegated to League Two."

Ferrell's first game watching Leeds in action as an owner is set to have huge stakes, with Daniel Farke's side falling short in their bid for automatic promotion to the Premier League on Saturday, having to settle for third place and the gauntlet of the playoffs after a 2-1 defeat to Southampton.

Leeds face Norwich City in the playoff semi-final first leg on May 12 at Carrow Road before the return leg at Elland Road four days later. Should the Whites prevail, they will face Southampton or West Brom in the playoff final at Wembley later this month.