Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria adds to the star-studded lineup supporting Wrexham AFC as they kick off their League One campaign with a victory

Eva Longoria, best known for her role in *Desperate Housewives*, joined a growing list of Hollywood stars showing support for Wrexham AFC, as she attended the team’s opening match of their return to League One. The actress was spotted at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday alongside the club’s celebrity co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, witnessing Wrexham’s 3-2 victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Longoria’s appearance at the game comes as part of a collaboration with Reynolds and McElhenney on a new docuseries. The project, reportedly for FX and Disney+ Latin America, will focus on Club Necaxa, a Mexican soccer team that Longoria co-owns alongside the Wrexham duo. The series is expected to follow a similar format to the successful *Welcome to Wrexham* show, which has brought international attention to the North Wales club.

As the match unfolded, a video shared on social media showed Longoria celebrating Wrexham’s win from the executive box, accompanied by Reynolds and McElhenney. The sight of yet another Hollywood star at the Racecourse Ground has become a familiar, yet still surprising, occurrence for the local fans.

Wrexham’s co-owners, Reynolds and McElhenney, have been highly visible figures at the club since they took over in 2021. Their investment and commitment have revitalized the team, leading to two consecutive promotions and a resurgence of pride in the community. Their presence, along with that of their famous friends, has added a unique dimension to Wrexham’s journey back up the English football league system.

Striker Stephen Fletcher commented on the positive impact the co-owners have on the team, noting that their presence in the stands and the changing room provides a significant morale boost. “It all gives us a lift when they’re there,” Fletcher said. “They bring a presence when they walk into the changing room… there’s no pressure with it, no one’s taken aback, they’re just one of the lads with the way they come in, which is good.”

Wrexham’s recent success has attracted attention from fans far beyond North Wales, with celebrities like Paul Rudd, Hugh Jackman, and Will Ferrell also making appearances at the Racecourse Ground. Season ticket holder Sarah Howell expressed her amazement at the continual influx of famous faces, noting that it’s “crazy” to see such high-profile visitors supporting the club. “Just when you think you’re used to it, someone else pops up and surprises you,” she said.

As the team embarks on its League One campaign, McElhenney has hinted at even greater ambitions, expressing hopes for a third consecutive promotion. Wrexham’s journey, bolstered by its Hollywood connections, continues to captivate both local supporters and an expanding global audience.

Analysis:

Political: The visibility of celebrities like Eva Longoria at Wrexham matches highlights the increasingly global nature of football fandom and its intersections with popular culture. The involvement of Hollywood stars in a lower-league football club in North Wales is a unique phenomenon that reflects broader trends in the commodification and globalization of sports. This trend can have political implications, as it draws attention to smaller communities and their local institutions, potentially leading to increased investment and economic opportunities. It also emphasizes the power of celebrity influence in shaping public interest and media narratives around sports and local culture.

Social: On a social level, the celebrity involvement with Wrexham AFC is a fascinating study in the blending of sports culture with entertainment. The club, once known primarily to locals and die-hard football fans, has now become a focal point of international attention. This has created a unique social dynamic where the local community is regularly interacting with global celebrities, leading to a sense of pride and renewed interest in the town. The *Welcome to Wrexham* series and the upcoming docuseries on Club Necaxa further illustrate how sports teams can serve as platforms for storytelling that resonate with audiences far beyond their immediate geographic reach.

Racial: Eva Longoria’s presence at the match also highlights the increasing diversity in the ownership and support of football clubs. As a prominent Latina actress and businesswoman, Longoria’s involvement in football brings a different cultural perspective to the sport, which has traditionally been dominated by white, male figures. This diversification in football’s leadership and fan base can contribute to broader conversations about representation and inclusivity within the sport, encouraging a more inclusive environment for fans of all backgrounds.

Gender: The participation of Eva Longoria in the football scene, especially in ownership and media projects, reflects the ongoing evolution of gender roles in sports. Football, a sport historically associated with male fans and leaders, is seeing more women not only attending matches but also taking on influential roles within the industry. Longoria’s involvement signals a shift towards greater gender equality in sports ownership and media representation, helping to challenge traditional gender norms and encouraging more women to engage with football both as fans and professionals.

Economical: Economically, Wrexham’s association with Hollywood stars like Eva Longoria is a significant boon for the club and the local community. The increased media attention and celebrity visits have likely contributed to higher ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and sponsorship deals, boosting the club’s financial standing. The influx of tourists and fans drawn by the chance to see stars like Longoria and Reynolds in person also supports local businesses, from hospitality to retail. Additionally, the production of related media content, such as the *Welcome to Wrexham* series and the upcoming docuseries, generates further economic opportunities through production jobs and tourism.

Overall, the involvement of Eva Longoria and other Hollywood stars in Wrexham’s football journey is a remarkable example of how sports, entertainment, and business intersect to create new opportunities and narratives. As Wrexham continues its rise in the football leagues, the club’s connection with global celebrities will likely remain a key factor in its evolving identity and success.