In a surprising turn of events, actor Hugh Jackman has expressed a keen interest in acquiring a stake in Norwich City, a club that holds significant personal value for him as it is located in his mother's hometown in eastern England. This revelation comes as Jackman aims to join fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds in the realm of soccer club ownership, although their respective clubs, Norwich and Wrexham, are now rivals in the English Football League Championship.
During an interview with British broadcaster TalkSport, Jackman confirmed his enthusiasm for the idea, stating, "I’m very, very interested in talking about it right now." The actor, known for his roles in films such as 'The Greatest Showman' and 'Logan', was promoting his latest movie, “The Death of Robin Hood,” when he shared this news. He added a playful note, saying, "You’re the first one to know that. There’s a little exclusive," indicating the excitement surrounding his potential involvement with the club.
Norwich City, currently majority-owned by Mark Attanasio, the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, has a storied history in English football. The club last graced the Premier League four years ago and is perhaps best remembered for its stunning upset against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup back in 1993. Jackman, who is a lifelong supporter of the Canaries, expressed his pride in the team's legacy, stating, "Good on Ryan, you do your thing, I’m all about the Canaries," referring to Norwich's nickname that stems from their distinctive yellow and green colors.
This season, both Norwich and Wrexham are poised to be strong contenders for promotion to the Premier League, which is widely regarded as the most lucrative soccer league in the world. Jackman has praised the team's recent resurgence under the guidance of Belgian coach Philippe Clement, who took over in November. He remarked, "I think it’s an exciting team and it’s going to be an exciting year," highlighting the positive changes within the club.
As Jackman considers his potential investment, the rivalry with Reynolds’ Wrexham adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Reynolds, alongside Rob McElhenney, has successfully brought Wrexham into the international spotlight since their purchase of the club in 2021. Their efforts have inspired a new wave of interest in lower-league soccer, making the competition between these two clubs particularly noteworthy.
As the Championship season progresses, fans of both Norwich City and Wrexham will be watching closely to see how their respective teams perform and what the future holds for Jackman’s aspirations in soccer ownership. With the stakes high and the excitement palpable, this chapter in the world of soccer ownership is just beginning.
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