In a first-time event dubbed 'The Hollywood Derby', Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham will face off against Tom Brady's Birmingham on Monday. And the League One clash promises to be a thrilling showdown befitting two of the biggest names in the EFL system.
Both Brady and Reynolds bring significant financial backing to their respective clubs. But one of the investors from across the pond boasts an edge in terms of their net worth, reported The Mirror.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady swapped American football for 'soccer' when he became a minority owner of the Blues last year, just a few months after his NFL retirement. Keen to stay involved in sports, he invested some of his £228million ($300m) fortune, according to Celebrity Net Worth, in a Birmingham team eager to return to the top tier.
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As arguably the most famous name in NFL history, Brady's last contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a two-year deal worth $50m (£38m). It is estimated that he earned around £175m in salary over the course of his 20-year NFL career, though many believe he would earn considerably more if he were playing today.
Brady and ex-wife Gisele Bundchen were hit hard by the FTX economic collapse that started in 2022, which reportedly cost Brady around £44m. However, the former No199 NFL Draft pick's earnings are not in jeopardy despite his retirement after Brady signed a 10-year, £285m contract to become an analyst for FOX Sports.
Meanwhile, Reynolds' wealth is also growing as he continues to land major roles in films such as Deadpool, IF and Bullet Train. However, it's his savvy investments through his production company, Maximum Effort, that have significantly boosted his estimated £266m ($350m) fortune in recent years.
In addition to investing in numerous film and television projects, Reynolds has demonstrated a knack for entrepreneurial spirit. This includes a reported personal profit of £96m from founding and selling Aviation Gin, as well as the reported £250m he made from selling his 25% stake in Mint Mobile to T-Mobile in 2024.
These shrewd business moves have enabled Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney to continue funding the Wrexham project they first began in 2021. Three years and back-to-back promotions later, the actor duo are currently leading League One after five matches.
Birmingham are just three points behind with a game in hand, meaning a home victory on Monday evening would put them level at the top. Brady will be keen for his team to seize this opportunity as they aim to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt, but for now, Reynolds holds the edge in both football and finances.
