'You stay classy, Leeds?' Anchorman star Will Ferrell invests in Championship club

5 May 2024, 14:29 | Updated: 5 May 2024, 16:47

Will Ferrell has become the latest celebrity to invest in Leeds United - joining Gladiator star Russell Crowe and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

The Hollywood actor, 56, has bought a stake in the Championship club's owners 49ers Enterprises, in which golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas also have shares.

Ferrell, who is best known for his comedic roles in films such as Elf, Anchorman and Blades Of Glory, is already the co-owner of Major Soccer side Los Angeles FC.

He revealed his love of the English game during a six-day trip to watch matches around the country with friends, including Manchester City's 3-1 win over Aston Villa last season, speaking to Sky Sports pundits including Gary Neville ahead of the fixture.

Ferrell, who played the chief executive of toy company Mattel in last summer's blockbuster Barbie alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was also spotted enjoying a pint with fans before watching Wrexham beat Wealdstone in the National League.

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Since Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney, both 47, bought the Welsh club in 2021 the side have received global attention.

Wrexham recently secured a second consecutive promotion, while the Disney+ documentary series, Welcome To Wrexham, which follows the trials and tribulations of the club, is in its third season.

Leeds missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League on Saturday after their 2-1 home defeat to Southampton and Ipswich's 2-0 win against Huddersfield, which secured the Tractor Boys' return to the top flight for the first time in 22 years.

Daniel Farke's side now aim to bounce back to the top tier via the play-offs and face Norwich in the first leg of their semi-final at Carrow Road next Sunday.

Three-time major winner Spieth confirmed he and fellow American Thomas bought minority shares in the club last summer.

(c) Sky News 2024: 'You stay classy, Leeds?' Anchorman star Will Ferrell invests in Championship club