Hollywood actor Will Ferrell has joined the ranks of celebrities investing in the Championship club Leeds United, according to reports on Sunday.
Ferrell has reportedly acquired a “significant” share in the US-based 49ers Enterprises group, which holds ownership of the Elland Road side. The world-renowned actor joins a list of investors in Leeds that includes fellow actor Russell Crowe, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, and golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
Spieth, a three-time major winner, confirmed last year that he and fellow American Thomas had acquired minority shares in the former English champions. Ferrell, who is a co-owner of Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, expressed his admiration for English football during a visit to watch Manchester City defeat Aston Villa 3-1 last season, whilst forming an unlikely friendship with England star Jack Grealish.
“Great to meet my new British friend Jack Grealish at the Etihad today,” Ferrell commented. “He told me to buy Birmingham City and to get them relegated to League Two.”
During the same trip, the 56-year-old also attended Wrexham’s victory over Wealdstone and QPR’s home match against Sunderland. Welsh club Wrexham, which has recently been promoted to the third tier, is owned by fellow actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their ownership marks a growing trend of celebrities investing in British teams.
READ ALSO; Aruna marches on at Saudi Smash
In 2022, actor Michael B. Jordan, known for his role in Black Panther, was revealed as a part-owner of Premier League side Bournemouth. Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady is an investor in Birmingham, who suffered relegation to the third tier on Saturday.
With an estimated net worth exceeding $125 million (€116.5m), Ferrell rose to fame through his appearances on the comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live and gained further recognition for his roles in blockbuster movies like Elf and Anchorman.
A source told English newspaper The Sun, “The 49ers will be announcing Will’s 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. 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.”
Leeds’ hopes of securing automatic promotion to the Premier League were dashed on the final day of the Championship season following Ipswich’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield on Saturday. After a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday, Daniel Farke’s team will aim to regain their place in the top-flight through the play-offs. They will go head-to-head with Norwich in the opening leg of their semi-final at Carrow Road next Sunday.